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Police remember fallen comrades
The melancholy ‘My Heart Will Go On’ was sung during the service.
YOUNGSTOWN — Riding boots rested backward in stirrups on a majestic deep brown horse called Magic.
The poignant image of a riderless horse met a crowd of 200-plus Friday at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church on Via Mount Carmel Avenue. The churchgoers gathered for the annual Police Memorial Week observance.
Mahoning County Deputy Sheriff Ty Kata held the reins of his horse in the parking lot across from the church as law enforcement men and women, most in uniform, filed past. Magic’s empty saddle was symbolic of a fallen rider.
Friday’s service was sponsored by Youngstown Police Department Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 28; Mahoning County Sheriff’s Office FOP Lodge 141; and Youngstown State University campus police FOP Lodge 200.
Shards of sunlight made their way through stained-glass windows at the stately brick church, dimly lighted by 10 chandeliers and dozens of votive candles. Photos of officers who died in the line of duty were displayed at the foot of the altar.
“We’re here to remember the thousands who died since modern policing began 175 years ago,” sheriff’s Sgt. Aurea Montero said from the altar. She introduced the singers and speakers.
“My Heart Will Go On,” a melancholy lament for a lost love, was sung by Elizabeth Crew. YPD Detective Sgt. Carl Davis sang “Center of My Joy” and “Amazing Grace.”
In Mahoning County, 24 officers have died in the line of duty since 1891. Howie and Mary Kay Hartzell, the parents of Youngstown Patrolman Michael T. Hartzell, were among fallen officers’ relatives who attended the service. Hartzell was shot to death in April 2003.
Mahoning County Area Court Judge Diane Vettori told those assembled that she gained respect and admiration for police work at an early age from an uncle in law enforcement. The judge, who is married to Youngstown Detective Sgt. Ismael Caraballo, said police work is a profession that changes lives and, quoting a friend, said it’s not just a career, but truly a lifestyle.
The judge is among many who gather each year at the spot on Vindicator Square where Hartzell was shot. They light candles in memory of the 26-year-old officer ambushed in his cruiser.
Victims’ advocate Miriam Fife, whose 12-year-old son was tortured and killed in 1985 in Trumbull County, talked in chilling detail about what happened and how terrible it is to be a victim’s survivor left behind by a violent crime.
“I wish you strength to go forward,” she said.
Deputy Joe Varone and YSU Patrolman Kris Russell set a memorial wreath at the altar. As the names of the fallen were read — the “final roll call” — officers from Mahoning County departments placed a yellow rose in the wreath for each and saluted.
“It never gets easier,” said Rick Alli, a retired YPD detective sergeant and president of FOP Lodge 28. “I knew seven of the fallen officers.”
Alli and YSU Sgt. Randy Williams took turns reading the names. Deputy Lennard Burke lighted a votive candle for each name.
A rose was also placed for former Trumbull County resident Daniel Pratt, a Los Angeles Police Department officer killed in 1988.
At the conclusion of the somber ceremony, shotguns in the hands of the YPD white-gloved honor guard, led by Lt. Robin Lees, fired off a 21-gun salute. Taps played as the wreath was laid in a memorial garden next to the church. The service ended with “Amazing Grace” played by the Cleveland Pipes and Drums.