A TRIBUTE — Fort Steuben Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 1 gathered Thursday outside the city building to pay tribute to fallen law enforcement officers across the nation. -- Linda Harris

STEUBENVILLE — Members of Fort Steuben Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 1 gathered Thursday outside the city building to pay tribute to fallen law enforcement officers across the nation.

The ceremony, cornerstone of the community’s Peace Officer Memorial Day observance, began with active and retired law enforcement officers standing at attention as the flag was raised and then lowered to half-staff, in keeping with a 1961 presidential proclamation.

Det. Ryan Lulla, FOP Lodge 1 vice president, reminded attendees that there have been 2,796 line-of-duty deaths recorded in the nation’s history, 921 of them in Ohio.

“Today is for remembering the fallen officers who gave the ultimate sacrifice while serving the people,” Lulla said afterward. “This job can be dangerous and draining some days. However, it is the small things that make (it) easier. When someone says ‘hello’ or ‘thank you’, that’s all it takes sometimes to turn the day around. So when people show up for these ceremonies it is very much appreciated.”

A bell was tolled in remembrance of Jefferson County’s 10 fallen officers: Steubenville Patrolmen Leslie McDonald (1908), Lafayette Mercer (1914), Owen Burns, (1926), Lt. Scott Roe (1928), Lenard Lamatrice (1972) and Thomas McGough (1972); Sheriff’s Deputy Michael Brandle (2015); Mingo Junction Patrolman William Snider (1923) and Lt. Michael J Maguschak Sr. (1970), and Toronto Patrolman Ralph Benton Miller Sr., (1978).

A TRIBUTE — Fort Steuben Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 1 gathered Thursday outside the city building to pay tribute to fallen law enforcement officers across the nation. -- Linda Harris

The presentation included Glory Dami, Glory Dami, music educator at Wells and Steubenville High School Fine Arts alumna, performing Amazing Grace, and an opening prayer by the Rev Michael Gossett.

A TRIBUTE — Fort Steuben Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 1 gathered Thursday outside the city building to pay tribute to fallen law enforcement officers across the nation. -- Linda Harris