Local Fallen Officers

Deputy Steve Crossin

 

Deputy Steve Crossin of the Perry County Sheriff's Office died in his cruiser of an apparent heart attack.  He served the county for nearly 30 years and worked for the Thornville Police Department, Somerset Police Department, Corning Police Department as Chief, and the Perry County Sheriff's Office.

End of Watch: January 4, 2008. 
Badge Number: 11

Deputy Ethan Collins

Deputy Ethan Collins of the Fairfield County Sheriff's Office died after being involved in a high-speed crash on SR 188 near Lancaster, Ohio while he was responding to a Lithopolis police officer's request for help on a man with a knife call.  Deputy Collins was pronounced dead at the scene.  He served Fairfield County for 6 years.  SR 188 has been dedicated to his memory within Fairfield County. 

End of Watch: January 4, 2006. 
Badge Number: 268

Officer Bryan Hurst

Officer Bryan Hurst of the Columbus Division of Police died during a from gunfire while working special duty at a bank when an armed gunman attempted a robbery.  Officer Hurst returned fire after being shot and wounded the suspect.  The suspect was later apprehended and charged with murder and bank robbery.  The suspect was found guily by a jury of his peers who also recommeded the death penalty.  Officer Hurst served the department for 8 years. 

End of Watch: January 6, 2005
Badge Number: 2057

Officer Melissa Foster

Officer Melissa Foster of the Columbus Division of Police was killed when a drunk driver struck her vehicle after travelling left of the center line on Gender Rd.  Foster was responding to an emergency call while following another cruiser.  The first crusier swerved to avoid the drunk driver, however Foster was unable to avoid the collision.  The suspect had a previous conviction of involuntary manslaughter and was sentenced to 13 years in prison and lifetime suspension of his driver license.

 

End of Watch: December 4, 2004
Badge Number: 2145

Deputy Robert Tanner

Deputy Robert Tanner of the Muskingum County Sheriff's Office was shot and killed after being flagged down by a vehicle containing 3 men in a residential area of Zanesville.  Tanner ran the license plate of the vehicle and no further contact was made with the deputy.  He was found dead beside his patrol car by a citizen.  The shooter and accomplices were found in a wooded area after a massive man hunt.  The murderer was sentenced to life in prison.

End of Watch: January 8, 2002
Badge Number: 17

Lieutenant Michael Lutz

Lieutenant Michael Lutz of the Muskingum County Sheriff's Office was fatally shot while responding to a break-in at a South Zanesville area convenience store.  The suspect was sentenced to death.  Lutz served the county for 16 years.

End of Watch: July 12, 1994
Badge Number: 12