Ceremony to remember police officers whove died in the line of duty

The Fort Steuben Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 1 will hold a ceremony on Thursday at Historic Fort Steuben Park to honor police officers who have died in the line of duty. This event takes place during National Police Week and Peace Officer Memorial Day, which was established in 1961. Detective Sgt. Ryan Lulla emphasized the need to recognize the sacrifices made by officers who prioritize public safety despite personal risks. Jefferson County has lost ten officers, including Patrolman Leslie McDonald, who died in 1908.

Other fallen officers include Sheriff’s Deputy Michael Brandle, who died in 2015. The Steubenville Police Department, which will celebrate its 200th anniversary next year, memorializes its six fallen officers at the police station. Lulla noted that these memorials are among the first things visitors see upon entering the station. This ceremony serves not only to honor the fallen but also to reinforce community support for law enforcement.