On Saturday morning, members of the Fraternal Order of Police Hi-Point Lodge No. 60 gathered to mark the 56th Annual Police Memorial Ceremony, honoring the lives and service of fallen law enforcement officers from Logan County and across Ohio.
Lodge President Bryce Goodrich led the event, which opened with a prayer from Chaplain Blake Kenner.
Bellefontaine Mayor Dave Crissman delivered a proclamation recognizing the sacrifices of those who have died in the line of duty and expressing gratitude on behalf of the community.
A roll call of the fallen was read by Logan County Sheriff Randy Dodds, Bellefontaine Police Chief Chris Marlow, and Ohio State Highway Patrol’s Ryan Stanley.
The group paid tribute to four officers who gave their lives while serving in Logan County:
- George Rockwell, Logan County Sheriff’s Department – 1878
- Frank Hossler, Ohio State Highway Patrol – 1956
- Sherman Ricketts, West Liberty Police Department – 1962
- Murray Griffin, Belle Center Police Department – 1986
The ceremony also honored two Ohio law enforcement officers who lost their lives in 2024:
- Correction Officer Andrew Lansing, Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction – End of Watch: December 25, 2024
- Lieutenant Rodney Osborne, Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction – End of Duty: April 9, 2024
Agencies in attendance included the Bellefontaine Police Department, Logan County Sheriff’s Office, Ohio State Highway Patrol, Russells Point Police, Washington Township Police, West Liberty Police, and DeGraff Police.
The annual memorial serves as a powerful reminder of the courage and commitment of those who wear the badge and the ultimate sacrifice made by a select few in service to their communities.
In closing, Kenner added a prayer and charge to local law enforcement, adding, “Blessed are the peacemakers for they are the sons and daughters of God. I encourage you to serve with compassion, to serve well, to serve with empathy, and to serve with discernment.
