Union County Law Enforcement Memorial Being Held May 16

Marysville, OH – The community is invited to attend the Union County Law Enforcement Memorial on Thursday, May 16th at 7 p.m. at the north lawn of the Union County Courthouse and Justice Center, 221 W. Fifth Street, Marysville.

The Union County Law Enforcement Memorial is an annual tribute to those who serve in the line of duty, and a reminder of this sacrifice is the statue that stands at the site of the ceremony: a peace officer kneeling with a folded American flag mourning the loss of his comrades.

Three Union County peace officers’ lives will be remembered at the ceremony: Sheriff Forest S. Hager, Sergeant Roger Beekman, and Sheriff Harry Wolfe. Sheriff Hager died in the line of duty in a vehicle versus train accident on September 23, 1927. Sergeant Beekman gave his life in service on September 19, 1979 while responding to an alarm. Sheriff Wolfe was killed on January 21, 1982 while investigating a burglar alarm.

Lieutenant Molly Harris of the Ohio State Highway Patrol (O.S.H.P.) is this year’s master of ceremonies. Lt. Harris serves as the post commander of the Marysville post of the O.S.H.P. Lt. Harris has served 21 years with the Highway Patrol and has been post commander for the Marysville post for the past six years.

The Jonathan Alder “High Society Show Choir” will provide vocals for the National Anthem and “America the Beautiful.”

“Taps” will be played by Lieutenant Rudy Zupanc of the O.S.H.P. and the O.S.H.P. honor guard will post the colors for the memorial.

Firefighter Michael Montgomery of the Marysville Division of Fire will play the bagpipes during the ceremony.

Officers from all area agencies will participate in the ceremony as a tribute to those who have given their lives and to honor their dedication for service.

The public is invited and encouraged to attend the memorial ceremony, free of charge. Please attend in honor of peace officers who have died in the line of duty and those who continue to protect and serve our great community.

In the event of inclement weather, the ceremony will be moved to the Union County Veteran’s Memorial auditorium at 233 W. Sixth Street.