Motorcycle ride honors fallen officers across Mahoning County

The rumble of motorcycle engines echoed through Mahoning County Sunday afternoon as riders set out for the annual Fallen Officer Memorial Run.

Organized by the Fraternal Order of Police Mahoning County Deputies Lodge 141 and Youngstown Lodge 28, the event featured a nonstop, police-escorted route that wound through townships across the county.

“We have a Peace Officers Memorial Run to honor our fallen officers in the county,” said Joe Tanner, sergeant-at-arms for Lodge 141. “We do more than just policing. We do fundraisers and other things… trying to better the community.”

The ride has been held in various forms for about two decades, evolving from memorial rides for individual officers, such as Youngstown Officer Michael Hartzell, into a countywide tradition.

Retired Poland Township police officer Tom Johnson, a director for the Blue Knights motorcycle group, said the run is both a tribute and a duty.
“The officers that died put their lives on the line for us, and we’re just showing in the same respect as anybody else would,” Johnson said. “It’s out of respect, it’s my duty. And I have chills running up and down me right now, just talking about it.”

Proceeds from the event help cover costs for the county’s annual memorial service for police and their families — from renting the venue to hosting a banquet in their honor.

Riders departed from Penguin City Brewing in Youngstown at noon, making their way across Mahoning County under a nonstop police escort.