Many central Ohioans are making purchases to show their blue for law enforcement.
We are heading into National Police Week — which honors those fallen members of law enforcement.
The coronavirus forced many departments to cancel their services, but the Ohio State Highway Patrol and others found a way to make it happen.
The eternal flame burns in memory of those who put their lives on the line, and paid the ultimate price while protecting and serving.
“My father was a trooper, and my grandfather before him was a trooper before him. It's all I've known growing up. It's one of those things, carrying on the family legacy,” said Ohio State Highway Patrol Trooper John Moore.
Trooper Moore stands and salutes the fallen. He is the third generation of state troopers.
His grandfather was killed in the line of duty in 1976.
“It's a tear-jerker. I come to these every year to be a part of it, it makes it that much harder,” Moore said of taking part in the remembrance.
As Moore stood solemnly, one by one, his fellow troopers circled the Ohio State Highway Patrol Academy. In a safe social distance, they honored those who have fallen in the line of duty.
“Our families are important to us. The Highway Patrol is a huge family. Every year, we look forward to pay tribute to our fallen,” said Ohio State Highway Patrol Colonel Richard Fambro.
Especially important this year, as OSHP added a name to their memorial wall.
Motor Carrier Enforcement Inspector Kimra Skelton was killed in an on-duty crash in Miami County.
“This is not just about sworn officers, this is about professional staff members who are a part of the legacy of the Highway Patrol who also have paid the ultimate sacrifice of their lives, serving the citizens,” Fambro explained.
Forced to find a new way to conduct the service this year, it's a reminder of just how important it is to honor those who put their lives on the line every day, and don't come home.
“This was focused on the highway patrol, but we have many brothers and sisters out there in law enforcement and corrections that are dealing with tragedies and adding names to their memorials as well. We salute them and respect and honor them as well,” Fambro said.