Remembering Deputy Sheriff Robert Michael Tanner Jr.

ZANESVILLE, Ohio – Remembering an important member of the Muskingum County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputy Sheriff Robert Michael Tanner Jr. had been employed with the Muskingum County Sheriff’s Office for eight years. He was killed on January 8th, 2002 after being flagged down in a residential area in Zanesville. Muskingum County Sheriff, Matt Lutz, said anniversary dates such as these are tough on the Office. Sheriff Lutz remembers Tanner as a great Officer.

“Always seemed to be smiling. Always seemed to be upbeat. I think he had eight years in here maybe, at the Sheriff’s Office. It’s hard to believe that it’s been 17 years ago since we lost him. Was just a vital piece to our Office,” said Sheriff Lutz.

Sheriff Lutz also made it a point that it’s not just losing a coworker, it’s like losing a brother. He says the bond created and maintained in law enforcement is special because of their experiences together.

“It’s strictly because of the type of job it is. The calls you handle, and you know you lean on each other to get through different things. So it is a special bond that you establish,” he added.

Muskingum County Sheriff’s Office is appreciative of the support from the community, especially on days like today.