'They were my brothers': Akron police pause to remember fallen at annual memorial service

The sunshine and cool breeze couldn't mask the somber mood as Akron police and community remembered the 27 Akron police officers and one Kenmore deputy marshal who died while they were active members of the police force.

"I've attended these memorials for years; I knew some of the fallen officers that we are commemorating, who gave their lives to serve this community," said former Officer Mick Williams, who retired from Akron's detective bureau in April 1999. "These weren't just officers; they were my brothers — even the ones that came before me and after me. They are all my brothers, and the least I can do is come here and honor their service and their memory."

The Fraternal Order of Police Akron Lodge 7 as well as the Akron Police Department held the annual police memorial Wednesday afternoon at Wolter Park. The local service was part of events commemorating National Police Officers week, which starts Sunday.

"The 28 officers we are gathered to honor today all answered a very important call, these men and their families shared a commitment to something larger than themselves," said Akron Mayor Dan Horrigan. "They weren't looking for fame or glory, they were simply looking to serve. And as mayor, there's nothing I dread more than a phone call telling me that one of our officers was injured or hurt in the line of duty."

"I hope and pray that the families that are here today take some comfort in knowing that the sacrifice of our fallen officers and their families will never be forgotten," Horrigan said.

The memorial service began with the Entrance of Colors by the Akron Police Honor Guard and the Cleveland Police Pipes and Drums, followed by the national anthem sung by the Archbishop Hoban High School Choir. During the roll call of fallen officers, flowers were presented to their families.

The names stretch all the way back to October 1916, when Arthur A. Doubledee was killed

Officers Kenny Jones and Edward Stewart honored

A special tribute was made to officers Kenny Jones and Edward Stewart, the two most recent names enshrined.

"I sat at my computer the last couple days trying to write some words, and they just wouldn't come," said Akron Police Chief Steve Mylett. "They're not gone, they're very, very much alive in the hearts and minds of everyone that knew them. These officers who sacrificed their lives did it to serve, not be served, but to serve. These are the ultimate heroes, they didn't ask anything from everyone, and they sacrificed everything," Mylett said.

Their names were recently added to the memorials in front of the Akron police headquarters at the Harold Stubbs Justice Center, as well as the statewide officers memorial in London, Ohio and the National Law Enforcement Memorial in Washington, D.C.

Jones was described as a "humble and good man, who was compassionate and devoted to his family and the community that he loved serving.

"He lived for people and he lived for love and he wasn't ashamed to live out that love that he had for his family and his work," said Pastor Gary L. Foreman of the Koinonia Apostolic Faith Church. "I had the privilege of performing his wedding ceremony and I knew him for over 25 years. He was one of the first members of my church, and someone that I got to know really well, and I can tell you, he loved every moment of his work."

"He was the personification of a gentle giant, just the kindest man you could ever meet, the kind of person that you would want as your close friend or your neighbor," Foreman said.

Jones, who died of a cardiac arrest on November 7, 2020, died only a few months before his fellow officer, Stewart, died of COVID-19 complications on February 12, 2021.

Stewart was described as a devoted servant leader by FOP Akron Lodge 7 President Clay Cozart. "They both shared the qualities of kindness and compassion while dealing with the most hardened criminals and citizens at their worst moments, and while consoling the many victims of crime they encountered daily," Cozart said.

Reporter Anthony Thompson can be reached at ajthompson@gannett.com, or on Twitter, @athompsonABJ

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Akron police, community pause to remember fallen at annual memorial