Ashland County Honors Fallen Officers During Heartfelt Law Enforcement Memorial Service
ASHLAND, Ohio — Officers, families, public officials, clergy and community members gathered Tuesday evening, May 12, 2026, for the annual Ashland County Law Enforcement Memorial Service, a solemn ceremony dedicated to remembering those who gave their lives in service to the community.
The service, held at Calvary Baptist Church, honored the memory of Ashland County’s fallen officers: Lt. John Gisclon, Det. Sgt. Glenn Sturgill, Trooper James Gross, Ranger James Pitney, Deputy Jacob Helbert and Constable William Kelly.
Ashland County Sheriff Kurt J. Schneider opened the ceremony by welcoming those in attendance, including family members, friends and colleagues of the fallen.
“We’re all here as family, friends, and colleagues to celebrate our fallen law enforcement officers that have been so diligent and vigilant protecting our community and have paid the ultimate sacrifice with their lives,” Schneider said.
The evening included an opening prayer by Pastor Harry Strachan, the National Anthem by Pastor Joshua Cehulik, the Pledge of Allegiance led by Captain Randy Wood, a fallen officer reflection by Sheriff Schneider, a roll call of fallen officers, survivor recognition, a flower presentation, “Amazing Grace,” a multi-agency volley squad salute, Taps by Jim Benshoff and a closing benediction.
Pastor Strachan offered prayer not only for the families of fallen officers, but also for those still serving. He also prayed for local law enforcement members recently injured in the line of duty, asking for strength, healing and wisdom for the medical teams caring for them.
Sheriff Schneider spoke about the history of Peace Officers Memorial Day, noting that President John F. Kennedy signed the proclamation in 1962 designating May 15 as a day to remember officers who died in the line of duty. Schneider also referenced the Ohio Peace Officers Memorial Ceremony held May 7, 2026, at the Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy in London, Ohio, where officers from across the state gathered to honor those lost in service.
Schneider said Ohio’s fallen officers’ wall stands as a lasting tribute to more than 844 peace officers killed in the line of duty since 1823. He also noted that nationally, 147 law enforcement officers lost their lives last year, and that 21 officers had already been killed in the line of duty across the United States so far this year.
“I don’t know what this world’s coming to,” Schneider said. “Police are here to protect people. We protect those who we don’t even know. And yet we’re targeted daily.”
The sheriff said memorial ceremonies are painful, but necessary.
“It’s a sad day that we even have to have these memorial ceremonies,” Schneider said. “But we will always honor our fallen. It is extremely important.”
During his reflection, Schneider reminded those gathered that the ceremony was about more than names on a program. It was about courage, duty, sacrifice and the families left behind.
“To our dear family, friends of law enforcement officers, we honor you,” Schneider said. “You have been called upon to bear a special burden of public service, supporting your loved ones through long hours, missed holidays, and the stress that comes with police work.”
He continued by acknowledging the pain carried by surviving families.
“For those who have lost loved ones, there is no speech or ceremony that can ease your pain,” Schneider said. “But tonight, we join together as a community to honor your loved ones’ courage and fill your hearts with the county’s gratitude.”
One of the most emotional moments of the evening came during the roll call of fallen officers, read by Captain Randy Wood and Retired Chief Deputy Carl Richert.
The roll call remembered Deputy Jacob Helbert and Jeromesville Constable William H. Kelly, both killed on Feb. 25, 1888, while attempting to serve a writ of habeas corpus on five barricaded subjects. Deputy Helbert was just 22 years old.
Detective Sergeant Glenn M. Sturgill, a six-year veteran of the Ashland County Sheriff’s Office, was remembered for his service and sacrifice. Sturgill was killed on Aug. 2, 1982, while attempting to apprehend three subjects who had just attempted an armed robbery in the City of Ashland. He was survived by his wife, Becky, and two children, Amanda and Timothy.
Lieutenant John P. Gisclon, a 21-year veteran of the Ashland County Sheriff’s Office, was remembered for his sacrifice on Jan. 14, 1995. Gisclon was killed after stopping a suspicious male believed to be involved in a burglary in the county. He was survived by his wife, Renee, and two daughters, Megan and Lisa.
Trooper James R. Gross, a three-year veteran of the Ashland Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol, was remembered for his sacrifice on Jan. 19, 1996. Gross was killed after stopping a motorist reported to be driving erratically on Interstate 71. He was survived by his wife, Veronica.
Ranger James R. Pitney, 50, with the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District, was also honored. Pitney was a special deputy with the Ashland County Sheriff’s Office and a former 911 dispatcher with Ashland County Combined Dispatch. He died Dec. 17, 2002, after suffering a fatal head injury when a tree limb fell while he was assisting workers at Charles Mill Lake Park. He was survived by his wife, Irene, and two sons, James and Joseph.
After the roll call, a quiet phrase captured the meaning of the night:
“Brave men go forward so that others may sleep securely in their beds.”
Schneider also recognized surviving family members in attendance and reminded them that they remain part of the law enforcement family.
“You are all family and we are always here for you,” Schneider said. “If there is ever anything you ever need, please reach out and let us know.”
The sheriff also thanked retired sheriffs, public officials, law enforcement partners and the community for continuing to stand with law enforcement through difficult times. He said Ashland County is blessed to have a community that supports its officers, deputies, troopers, rangers and first responders.
“We could not be as successful as we are throughout the county… without your support,” Schneider said. “We dearly appreciate you standing by us and supporting us through every thick and thin tragedy that happens here in the county.”
Pastor Joshua Cehulik closed the ceremony with a benediction, praying for the families of Glenn Sturgill, John Gisclon, James Gross and James Pitney, and asking that their stories of bravery, dedication and courage continue to be shared.
As the service ended, those in attendance were invited to stay for refreshments, visit with one another and share memories, a reminder that while the ceremony is held once a year, the sacrifices remembered inside Calvary Baptist Church are carried every day by the families, agencies and community left behind.
The service was dedicated to the memory of Ashland County’s fallen officers and included a special thank you to Calvary Baptist Church and its staff for hosting the memorial.
