I am sure by now most of you know what caused the headache on I-75 last Monday. If you don’t, here’s what happened. Lockland Police Officer Brendon Gehring was accidentally struck and seriously injured by West Chester Township Police Officer Kevin Burger while trying to deploy stop sticks on I-75 south of Glendale-Milford Road. West Chester Police were in pursuit of robbery suspect Thomas Joyce of West Union Ohio. Joyce is accused of robbing the Walgreens on the corner of Tylersville and Cincinnati-Dayton Roads. It is the second time Joyce has hit this same store in the past five months.
Brian Gehring is an example of fine community service. I stopped by the Lockland Police Department last Wednesday and spoke with a patrol supervisor and extended my well wishes to the Officer Gehring, his family, the Lockland Police Department, as well as the whole Lockland community. I found out that after serving eight years with the Lockland Fire Department, Officer Gehring wanted to continue and expand his public service. He did this by joining the police department as well as continuing to work with the fire department about two years ago.
The community support for this young officer has been overwhelming. I have driven throughout the Tri-State area, and you have signs wishing Officer Gehring well. The community has also supported the Lockland Police Department with two fundraisers. The first one was held at Dingle Pub in West Chester. The other one was held on April 28, at the Metropolis Night Club.
If you were not able to attend either fundraiser, you do not have to count yourself out. To make contributions, please contact the Lockland Police Association either at 513-761-1699 or mail donations to: Lockland Police Association, Officers Mark Sand or Keith Ryan: 101 N. Cooper Ave., Lockland, OH 45215.
Also, Fifth Third Bank has set up a special fund. Any contributions can be made at any Fifth Third Location. Just tell bank employees that you would like to make a financial contribution to the Officer Gehring Fund. Officer Gehring needs our support. May he be blessed with a full and speedy recovery.