F.O.P. Honors fallen Law Enforcement

A somber ceremony takes place at the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge as law enforcement honor fallen officers.

Those in attendance listened to Coshocton Sheriff Timothy Rogers speak about the role of law enforcement and then filed outside to pay tribute to the four fallen officers in Muskingum County and one from McConnelsville.

"It’s very encouraging for us here to memorialize our fallen officers," explained FOP President Tom Porter. "We offer support for those that our here and it’s just a wonderful feeling to have our friends, family and community around us."

Among those in attendance was the mother and father in-law of Deputy Robert Tanner, a Muskingum County Sheriff’s Deputy killed in the line of duty on January 8, 2002.

"It’s kind of bittersweet," said Phil Janke Tanner’s father-in-law. "It’s nice not to forget that we’re all a family here, but it’s kind of tough to be honest."

"You never forget," said Beverly Janke Tanner’s mother-in-law. "Everyday you think about them in some capacity. You just don’t forget him."

At the service Deputy Pat Keck from the Sheriff’s Office was presented a plaque in memory of his K-9 partner, Nitro, who died in January and the lodge’s memorial garden was rededicated after it was redone by a local gardening group.