TWINSBURG, OH (WOIO) -
There is a Christmas tree, full of ornaments, in the Twinsburg library, one made for every police officer, fire fighter or canine officer who died in service this year. The ornaments, this year a peace dove, are made by children in Twinsburg and then sent to the families of every officer who was killed, nationwide, in the line of duty this year.
Katie Johnson is the head of Youth Services at the library, "We look at it in way which we can spread some joy and some love into those families."
This program started after Twinsburg officer Josh Miktarian was killed on duty. His wife, Holly, worked with the library and they came up with the plan. This year, sadly, they have made 212 ornaments and hopefully will not have to make any more. "Some of the young children, we don't explain to them that its going to a fallen officer, it might just be going to a police officer or a police officers family and they get really excited," said Johnson.@
The Twinsburg police department pays for the supplies and mailing. They are very aware of how difficult this time of the year can be for people who have been stunned by a sudden loss, "What better than a Christmas ornament, hand made by a child, in memory of your loved one who gave their life the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty," said Twinsburg Chief Chris Noga.
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Twinsburg ornament for fallen officers
