Tuesday, February 01, 2000
Sheriff wants jail to include tribute to fallen officers
BY DAVID ECK
Enquirer Contributor
HAMILTON — If Butler County Sheriff Harold Gabbard has his way, the new Butler County Jail will include a tribute to fallen Butler County police officers when it opens in several years.
The sheriff hopes to raise at least $75,000 to build a countywide police memorial that will include the names of the 19 officers who died in the line of duty since 1916. The memorial would be built on the grounds of the new jail.
It is anticipated that Fraternal Order of of Police organizations, companies and citizens will contribute to the memorial. About $600 has been raised so far.
“They feel it's just a good cause,” the sheriff said. “Whatever we get, we're going to use to build that memorial, whether it's exceptionally nice or decent.”
The sheriff said the final memorial design would depend on how much money is raised. Organizers may also ask county officials for help, if needed.
Police agencies would use the memorial for awareness and appreciation ceremonies, said Chief Deputy Rick Jones. It would be the first-ever countywide law enforcement memorial in Butler County.
“Doing it countywide, it shows unity,” Chief Jones said. “It's a dangerous turf we live in.”
A memorial would boost morale among officers and help bring together members of different police agencies in the county, the sheriff said.
“They feel that they are doing a worthwhile job and they are being recognized for what they're doing,” he said. “They do lay their lives on the line.”
Though Butler County has been fortunate that no officers have died in the line of duty in more than 30 years, county officials see police officers dying nearby.
Officers who died in Butler County are:
Hamilton Police Inspector Arthur Walke, 1916; Hamilton Patrolman George Lentz, 1918; Merchant Policeman Harry Baker, 1919; Hamilton Desk Sgt. Charles Stegemann, 1920; Fairfield Township Patrolman Emery Farmer, 1922; Probation Enforcement Agent Wilbur Jacobs, 1925; Probation Enforcement Agent Robert Gary, 1925;
Middletown Patrolman Charles Skeen, 1926; Middletown Patrolman George McChesney, 1927; Middle town Patrolmen Harold Roth and Ebert Crout, 1928; Middletown Patrolman Daniel Sandlin, 1930; Hamilton Auxiliary Patrolman Earl Grubb, 1935;
FBI Agent Nelson B. Klein, 1935; Hamilton Patrolman Arthur Sponsel, 1937; Hamilton Patrolman Aaron Laubach, 1938; Marshal William Simpson, 1939; Middletown Assistant Police Chief Henry Brinkmeyer, 1939; Ohio State Highway Patrol Trooper Ernest E. Cole, 1964.
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