This is National Police Week and normally the Ottawa Police Department and the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office host a public ceremony at the Courthouse to honor local Law Enforcement Officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty. Unfortunately, due to Social Distancing Guidelines and in the interest of Public Safety, that ceremony will not take place this year. However, Ottawa Police Chief, Adam Weingartner, says there is a virtual candle lighting event in Washington D.C. tonight to honor fallen officers:
If you would like to watch the candle lighting tonight, search “National Police Week Candlelight Vigil”, you will find a link to the ceremony. KOFO has it posted on our Facebook page, also.
Local Officers who have died on duty include: Ottawa Police Officer, Robert Cowdin, in 1962; Franklin County Sheriff Deputy, Sam Smith, in 2010; and most recent, Wellsville Police Officer, Bryan Virtue, in March.
