CLEVELAND, Ohio — They serve, protect and sacrifice to keep us safe.
Friday morning, the Cleveland community lined Lakeside Avenue to honor fallen heroes at the 28th Annual Greater Cleveland Peace Officers parade.
“I used to be a Cleveland Heights police officer, too, and we lost two of our officers: Jason West and Tom Patton, so it’s kind of important for us to be here and honor all the officers that have fallen,” said Carrie Hinkle, formerly of Cleveland Heights police.
Hinkle was one of hundreds of people to attend the parade and memorial service, recognizing 186 local officers killed in the line of duty since 1853.
This year, a new name will be added to the memorial at Huntington Park’s Police Memorial Square. Willoughby Police Officer Jason Gresko died after he struck a tree while on duty.
”This just isn’t a job,” said Elyria Police Officer Gregg Drake. “This is a lifestyle. Everybody that’s involved with it, family members, officers, they all live that lifestyle. It’s good to never forget and always come back and remember those we’ve lost that sacrificed so much of us.”
Gresko, 32, swerved to miss a drunk driver. He is survived by his wife, Sandra, and three-year-old daughter, Olivia May, parents, three brothers and a sister.
“When a hero falls silent, we will never forget,” said Sheriff Frank Bova, of the Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Office. “Families of the fallen officers, we as your extended family will never forget, and we will move forward because of your strength.”