Memorial remembers fallen officers

Editor's note: The following was written by representatives of Fraternal Order of Police Associates Lodge 34: Roseann Hickman, president; Hannah Barrere, vice president; Jennifer Skinner, treasurer; Lisa Sarty, secretary; and members Beth Gillman, Jerry Tarolli, Maryann Nehls, Melinda Cooley, Sara Nelson and Evelyn Gillman. PORT CLINTON — Do you recognize the names of the following men: • Sgt. Robert Rigoni, • Deputy William Hetrick • Officer Michael Sweeney • Deputy Bruce Mettler • Marshal Frank Robel These are the names of Ottawa County's fallen heroes. These are the names of the men who have made the ultimate sacrifice during their duties as law enforcement officers. These fallen heroes died in the line of duty, protecting and serving us, our children and our community. Each of these officers left behind wives, children, brothers, sisters, mothers, fathers, family, friends, co-workers and others who loved them dearly. Each officer knew after taking that oath of honor — that when they pinned on that badge and put on that uniform, kissed their children and wives goodbye — there was a chance of not returning home to loved ones. Over the years, one by one, the men listed above were denied that right to return home "in the line of duty." In memory Here's some biographical information about these fallen officers: Sgt. Robert Rigoni Rigoni served with the Port Clinton police and was killed in the line of duty on Friday, Dec. 9, 1983. Rigoni — along with Deputy Sheriff Bruce Mettler of the Ottawa County Sheriff's Office, Dispatcher Michael Sweeney of the Put-in-Bay Police Department and EMT Duane Dress — was killed when the plane they were riding in crashed into Lake Erie. The officers were traveling to assist a police chief on a neighboring island who was suffering a heart attack. All four occupants of the plane were killed in the accident. Rigoni had served with Port Clinton police for nine years. He was survived by his wife, Nancy, and two sons. Rigoni had also served in the U.S. Navy. Deputy Bruce Mettler Mettler, 36, was a member of the Ottawa County Sheriff's Office. He had also served in the U.S. Army and with the Summit County Sheriff's Office prior to the Ottawa County Sheriff's Office. He was survived by his wife, Valerie, and two children. Dispatcher Michael Sweeney Sweeney, 20, was a dispatcher with the Put-in-Bay Police Department. He was also a member of the fire department and an EMT on the island. Sweeney was survived by his parents and three siblings. Officer William Hetrick Hetrick, 30, of the Clay Center police, was killed when his cruiser was struck by a tractor-trailer while he was on patrol on July 10, 2000. Hetrick was assisting another agency and was driving the other agency's patrol car when the incident occurred. He had just finished investigating an accident and was driving on Ohio 51 in heavy fog when a tractor trailer pulled out from a side street, colliding with his patrol car. Hetrick died at the scene. Hetrick had been with Clay Township police for five years and is survived by his wife, Tonya; three children; parents; and sister. Marshal Frank Robel Robel, 30, was killed in the line of duty on Nov. 27, 1925, while working for the village of Marblehead. Robel was confronted by a frequent criminal offender on Perry Street in downtown Marblehead on Thanksgiving Day. Robel was returning his patrol car to the station and was off duty. He was also unarmed at the time. After a brief altercation, Lester Wenner shot Robel once and fled the scene. Robel was able to get help, however, it was too late, and he succumbed to his injuries. Wenner was arrested shortly afterward and placed into custody. A jury of his peers found him guilty of murder in the first degree. The jury saved him from the electric chair by the recommendation of mercy. The judge imposed a sentence of life in prison — to which he added that one day, each year, he should be placed in solitary confinement and that day to be Thanksgiving Day, the anniversary of the day on which the crime was committed. Robel was survived by his wife, Anna; father; and siblings. Never forget The Fraternal Order of Police Associates Lodge 34 made a commitment to ensure these fallen are never forgotten. Lodge members and associates raised funds through donations and fundraisers for the memorial that pays tribute to these men, who, as law enforcement officers, have fallen in the line of duty. The goal was to create a lasting memorial for all to see placed on the lawn of the Ottawa County Courthouse. This memorial is not only to honor our fallen officers, but it is also an opportunity to recognize and appreciate those who continue to protect and serve. It is for those officers who are working while we are home sleeping soundly and securely. This memorial is for those officers who are missing from the family Thanksgiving table, the traditional Christmas festivities and for the officers who must work when rare family memories or special events occur that can never be replaced. We feel very strongly about honoring fallen law enforcement officers who have given their lives in the line of duty. We are blessed to know and work closely with many of the law enforcement men and women in our community, and we have the utmost respect and admiration for all of them. It's not an easy job. Rarely do we hear of the severe injuries they sustain, the lives that are saved or rescued, the children who are held and comforted during times of turmoil and violence, the endless hours of investigations to bring perpetrators to justice — and let's not forget the many times they must be the strong souls who deliver the message that a family member has been killed. There are five names that are engraved on the memorial. Since Ottawa County lost its first officer in the line of duty, in 1925, there's been no place to memorialize that sacrifice. It has been our goal to change that. A public dedication ceremony for the Ottawa County Law Enforcement Memorial takes place at 5 p.m. Thursday at its site: in Friendship Park, 113 E. Perry St., Port Clinton. A reception will follow at the Knights of Columbus, 109 E. Perry St.