FINDLAY, Ohio (WLIO) - It was a night of remembrance in Hancock County as the lives of fallen local law enforcement officers were honored.
Fallen officers from the Findlay, Bluffton and Fostoria police departments, along with the Ohio State Highway Patrol, were remembered, as well as the life of longtime Hancock County Chaplain Bishop Terry McBeath.
In recognition of National Police Week, the Fort Findlay FOP hosted the Hancock County Law Enforcement Memorial Service, paying tribute to the lives of 10 officers lost while protecting the community. Fallen officers from the Findlay, Bluffton, and Fostoria police departments, along with the Ohio State Highway Patrol, were remembered, as well as the life of longtime Hancock County Chaplain Bishop Terry McBeath.
Those 10 fallen officers honored tonight for their bravery and service to the community are the following:
Findlay Police Department:
- Officer William Holly, End of Watch: February 20, 1898
- Captain Allen D. McGowan, End of Watch: March 26, 1913
- Policeman Frank L. Arthur, End of Watch: November 5, 1934
Bluffton Police Department:
- Night Policeman Owen Grandstaff, End of Watch: March 26, 1927
- Night Policeman Frank Herrmann, End of Watch: September 5, 1929
- Officer Dominic M. Francis, End of Watch: March 31, 2022
Ohio State Highway Patrol:
- Sergeant John F. Best, End of Watch: June 17, 1935
- Patrolman David L. Sterner, End of Watch: February 25, 1973
- Patrolman Joel F. Miller, End of Watch: December 6, 1971
Fostoria Police Department:
- Chief Franklin P. Culp, End of Watch: April 23, 1950
Through a wreath-laying ceremony, a 21-gun salute, and the playing of taps, the public came together to ensure the legacy of these officers is never forgotten.
Through a wreath-laying ceremony, a 21-gun salute, and the playing of taps, the public came together to ensure the legacy of these officers is never forgotten.
“Across the United States, this is police week, and in Washington D.C., there's a series of events going on. This is our memorial service for Findlay and Hancock County to honor these 10 individuals who lost their life in the service of our community. This is a way we pay respect to them and make sure that their names are remembered,” says Officer Brian White, President of Fort Findlay FOP and with Findlay PD.
Findlay Mayor Christina Muryn proclaimed this week as Law Enforcement Recognition Week in the city. National Police Week continues through May 17.
