YOUNGSTOWN - Although they've been adding a lot of new officers lately, members of the police department say they do not want to forget those who came before them.
And especially those who gave their all in the line of duty.
Spearheaded by Detective Sgts. Cindy Dellick and Zaida Miranda, the department now has a wall of honor in its roll call room that has photos of all city officers who died doing their jobs.
Article Photos
Tribune Chronicle / Joe Gorman
Youngstown police Capt. David McKnight stands in the department’s roll call room. Behind him is a memorial to fallen Youngstown police officers.
The city has had 12 officers killed in action, the last being Patrolman Michael Hartzell, who was shot to death downtown on April 29, 2003.
Miranda, who has been on the department for 26 years, said she got the idea for the memorial from other police departments.
''We wanted to continue to remember them and their sacrifices,'' Miranda said.
Fact Box
Fallen officers
Youngstown police officers who have fallen in the line of duty
Michael Hartzell, 26, April 29, 2003
Detective Sgt. Millard Williams, 39, April 14, 1992
Paul Durkin, 34, Sept. 22, 1987
Ralph DeSalle, 40, June 13, 1984
Frank Cichon, 41, Dec. 21, 1963
Harry Clemons, 49, Dec. 4, 1927
Detective Benjamin Yeadon, age not available, Feb. 7, 1925
George Leonard, 32, March 23, 1924
Alexander Warren, 27, May 3, 1921
Samuel Banks, 40, Oct. 6, 1919
Alfred Evans, 35, Nov. 5, 1911
William Freed, 27, May 18, 1891
Source: Youngstown Police Department
Dellick, who has been on the force for 30 years, said she agreed with Miranda's suggestion.
''I told her 'I'm with you on that,'' Dellick said.
It took the pair two years to raise the money, which came from T-shirt sales at motorcycle runs held by other police officers.
Dellick said having the faces loom over officers as they get ready to go on the road at roll call is a way to bring home the dangers of police work, especially for the newcomers on the force.
''It's a very good reminder, but it's bittersweet,'' Dellick said. ''It's good to see them again, but it's sad to see them that way.''
Both sergeants said they knew several of the officers who are on the wall.
The plaques have been put up within the last month. Several support staff on the department helped prepare the room for them, and city workers helped in the installation.
Police Chief Rod Foley said he has plans to have more items from the department's history around to remind officers of their rich tradition.
''I think it's important to always reflect on our past and remember the guys who have given their lives,'' Foley said.
Foley said he's glad the plaques are in the room.
''You just never know if it's going to be your day to fight for your life out there,'' Foley said.