Mugging...Over Coffee

[Hudson, Ohio] Outside the Jo-Ann Stores corporate headquarters in Hudson, Ohio, hundreds of Jo-Ann employees joined with their neighbors in lining State Route 91 on a sunny Friday morning in July to pay tribute to slain Twinsburg Police Officer Joshua Miktarian, who was killed on Sunday, July 13, during what should've been a routine traffic stop.

Workers from businesses stood shoulder-to-shoulder alongside residents of Stow, Hudson and Twinsburg in a show of support for the police officer's family and to honor the young civil servant as a procession of police cars from Twinsburg and a number of adjacent Ohio jurisdictions carried their slain brother to a funeral service that would celebrate his life and mourn his passing. The normally loud and somewhat busy route fell nearly empty and remained almost silent for several minutes--except for the sound of the motorcade and two news helicopters that whirled overhead--just after morning rush hour on July 18.

Some drivers also pulled onto the street's shoulder and joined those already standing outside to quietly pay their respects. People held flags, bowed their heads and wiped tears from their cheeks as Miktarian's family, friends and fellow officers passed. Miktarian's brothers (and sisters) in uniform wore mixed emotions along with their dress attire--pride in their comrade combined with sadness and anger at a life ended far too soon. Straight-backed, stoic officers in cruisers and on motorcycles clutched well-used tissues. Many hid their sorrow behind dark-tinted sunglasses, but their feelings of loss were obvious. Few, if any, appeared to speak with fellow passengers or even divert their eyes from the road and task ahead as they drove. Likewise, the crowd remained silent and almost completely still.

One of our dearest friends is a member of Twinsburg's finest. He is a strong man--intelligent, knowledgeable, compassionate with a good sense of humor and the ability to laugh at himself--all important traits for a good leader. On the outside, he showed that strength to the public; he was being that leader. But, his own personal sense of loss, sadness and, yes, anger was and is just below the surface and easily seen by those who know and love him and care about all that he stands for as a public servant. My heart swelled with pride in my friend as I watched him offer comfort and encouragement to others.

Like my colleagues and our neighbors in Hudson (and beyond), I shed tears at the loss of a man committed to serving and helping others. I believe that we all bear a certain added burden when a good man is lost. It is our responsibility to be that much better, care that much more and do that much more good in his stead and in his honor.

I offer my deep condolences to the loved ones of Officer Joshua Miktarian and to the City of Twinsburg.

Update: Read an account of the day on Ohio.com (by The Akron-Beacon Journal) or on Cleveland.com (by The Cleveland Plain Dealer).