PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release

May 1, 2019

Contact:

          Safety-Service Director Olen Martin – 419-734-5522

          Police Chief Rob Hickman – 419-734-3121

Topic: Port Clinton to honor fallen police officer with street dedication ceremony

December 9, 1983, will forever be remembered for the fatal plane crash into Lake Erie’s waters just south of South Bass Island that took the lives of four individuals in route to help someone in need of emergency medical assistance.  Sergeant Robert B. Rigoni of the Port Clinton Police Department was aboard that doomed flight.  

At the time of his death, Sgt. Rigoni was survived by his wife and two sons.  Sgt. Rigoni is the only officer in the history of the Port Clinton Police Department to lose his life in the line of duty.

The community is invited to gather at the intersection of 6^th and Fulton Streets at approximately 1:00 PM on Wednesday, May 15, 2019.  This date coincides with National Peace Officer Memorial Day, a day set aside to remember all Peace Officers who made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of their community. 

The dedication of Sgt. Rigoni Memorial Drive will follow the Ottawa County Police Chiefs Association annual observance of Peace Officer Memorial Day.

Sgt. Rigoni Memorial Drive will run east from the intersection of 6^th and Fulton Streets, past the entrance to Magruder Hospital’s Emergency Room Entrance, and adjacent to the Life Flight landing pad. 

As Sgt. Rigoni’s last call to duty was on a mission of mercy, this place of honor seemed most appropriate as it is the primary route for those in our community seeking emergency medical care. 

Special thanks to the Board of Directors and Administration of H.B. Magruder Hospital for their assistance with this memorial dedication.