By JULIE CARLE
BG Independent News
The resonant chimes of the Wood County Courthouse Clock Tower tolled 12 times to mark the beginning of the 2026 Wood County Police Memorial on Thursday.
A community of law enforcement, county, city and local officials, and family and friends came together to honor the lives and sacrifices of the 12 local officers who died in the line of duty.
The memorial address, delivered by Municipal Court Judge Alyssa Blackburn, reflected on the deeper meaning of law enforcement service. She described policing as “more than a profession,” calling it a commitment marked by resilience, integrity, and sacrifice.
“They stepped forward when others stepped back. They ran toward danger when others sought safety,” Blackburn said. They understood that commitment and did so, “not for recognition, but because they believed in something greater than themselves.”
Blackburn, who was appointed Bowling Green Municipal Court Judge in January 2025, was honored to be asked to present the memorial address. She spent 14 years working with law enforcement officers in her roles as an assistant prosecuting attorney in Wood County and as city prosecutor for Bowling Green. She saw firsthand the impact and sacrifices they made.
“The service in law enforcement is not just defined by the difficult moments,” she said. “It’s also found in everyday acts. The conversations with a worried neighbor, the mentorship of a young person searching for direction, the reassurance given during somebody’s worst day.”
As she recognized the officers who lost their lives while on duty, Blackburn also gave a nod to the officers who currently serve.
“Behind every uniform is a human being who cares deeply about the community that they serve. The badge represents not just authority but compassion, responsibility and trust,” she said. “To those who continue to serve today, your work matters more than words can express. You carry forward the legacy of those we remember. In every shift, every decision, in every interaction, you uphold the ideals that define this profession. You are guardians not only of safety but of hope.”
Ohio State Highway Patrol Trooper Jessica McIntyre performed the national anthem, followed by the invocation by Bowling Green Police Chaplain Brian Wiles, who called on attendees to remember the courage and sacrifice of fallen officers and to support the families who continue to carry the weight of their loss.
“May we never grow careless with the freedoms and blessings that come at such a great cost,” he said.
Wood County Commissioner Doris Herringshaw reaffirmed the county’s commitment to remembering the officers for their sacrifices by issuing a formal proclamation recognizing the Peace Officers Memorial Day tradition that President John F. Kennedy established in 1962.
“We wish to honor the law enforcement officers from Wood County who unselfishly give their lives while serving their community and their country,” Herringshaw said. The commissioners proclaimed May 14, 2026, as Wood County’s day “to pay tribute to all law enforcement officers for their praiseworthy records of service and to gratefully remember those officers who have died in the line of duty.”
Bowling Green Mayor Mike Aspacher delivered a city proclamation, emphasizing the vital role law enforcement plays in maintaining community safety and trust.
“Law enforcement officers serve an integral role in society with duties that improve and impact communities every day,” he said. “It is important to recognize the men and women who serve as law enforcement officers for their professional, dedicated and brave service.
Aspacher thanked all current and past officers “who work diligently to uphold the division’s core values, of fairness, integrity, respect, customer service, team orientation and honesty.” He asked all citizens to honor and show appreciation for law enforcement officers, not only during the Police Memorial event and week, but throughout the year.
The speakers’ shared messages spoke volumes of the thanks for and acknowledgement of the fallen officers’ service and for those who choose to serve today knowing the dangers of the job. The solemn highlight of the ceremony was the reading of the honor roll, recounting the names and end-of-watch dates of Wood County officers who died in the line of duty.
Perrysburg Deputy Chief Brenton Duran sounded the bell marking the last alarm as Bowling Green State University Deputy Chief Jon Luidhardt read the names of the 12 fallen peace officers who lost their lives between 1896 and 1984:
- Patrolman Jesse Baker, North Baltimore Police Department. End of watch. June 19, 1896.
- Marshal Frank Thornton, Perrysburg Police Department. End of watch, Jan. 5, 1906.
- Patrolman Austin Harman, Bowling Green Police Department. End of watch, May 13, 1919.
- Deputy Ellsworth Beaverson, Wood County Sheriff’s Office. End of watch Aug. 27, 1927.
- Patrolman Ralph Castner, Bowling Green Police Department. End of watch April 23, 1931.
- Marshal Jay Davis, North Baltimore Police Department. End of watch, July 18, 1932.
- Patrolman Clifton Miller, Rossford Police Department. End of watch May 14, 1966.
- Trooper John Birchem, Ohio State Highway Patrol. End of watch February 27, 1967.
- Patrolman Kip Boulis, Perrysburg Police Department. End of watch May 31, 1976.
- Sergeant Robert Schiffman, Perrysburg Police Department. End of watch, Nov. 1, 1978.
- Chief Thomas W. Hall, Northwood Police Department. End of watch, Dec. 31, 1981.
- Deputy Thomas Bryant. Wood County Sheriff’s Office. End of watch, July 23, 1984
During the benediction, Chaplain Wiles asked for continued protection over officers and first responders, who continue to serve our communities each day.
“As we leave this place today, may we go with thankful hearts and a renewed commitment to live with honor, compassion, and service towards others,” he said, “May we never forget those who made the ultimate sacrifice … and continue to honor their memory through the way that we live, serve and care for one another.”
The Wood County Police Memorial was a combined effort of the Wood County Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #109 and the Board of County Commissioners.
