In Memoriam
Honoring Our Fallen Heroes
“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” – John 15:13
We remember and honor our brave officers who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. Their courage, dedication, and unwavering commitment to protecting our community will never be forgotten. Each of these officers lived a life of service, placing the safety of others above their own. Their legacy inspires us to continue the mission they so selflessly pursued. We extend our deepest condolences to their families, friends, and colleagues, who bear the weight of their loss every day. To the fallen, you will always hold a place of honor in our hearts. Your sacrifice will forever serve as a beacon of heroism and dedication. We pledge to uphold the values you fought to protect and to ensure your memory endures.
We stand united in gratitude and remembrance. You will never be forgotten.
Officer, John Englehart Jr.
Killed in the Line of Duty – August 7, 1893
Officer John Englehart was the first officer of the Mansfield Police Department to be killed in the line of duty.
On August 7, 1893, Officer Englehart was assigned to the Union Depot for security and to prevent tramps and bums from boarding the baggage cars for a free ride. In carrying out these duties, Officer Englehart positioned himself between two tracks as an Erie passenger train was loading passengers. While watching the passenger train a freight train traveling on the second track struck Officer Englehart. The projection from a freight car knocked him into the track of the Erie passenger train which struck him and took his life. Officer Englehart was a single man who contributed largely to the support of his parents. He was described as polite, genteel of good habits of excellent character, and one who had earned the respect and goodwill of everyone. The local paper reported, “By the death of John Englehart, our City loses a faithful Officer and a most valuable citizen.”
Lieutenant, William J. Taylor
Killed in the Line of Duty – February 26, 1949
On February 18th, 1949, Lieutenant William J. Taylor responded to a disturbance call at 321 E. Fourth St. Lieutenant Taylor was confronted by Robert Dilgard, who was described as a crazed war veteran. While attempting to disarm Dilgard, Lieutenant Taylor was shot twice in the abdomen. A fellow officer returned fire and fatally shot Dilgard. Lieutenant Taylor died from his injuries on February 26, 1949. Lieutenant Taylor was a WWII veteran, serving as a Boatswain’s Mate 1st Class in several Pacific missions. He was described as having a friendly way and hundreds of citizens knew his smile and greeting. Service-Safety Director Earl Garrison stated, “Lieutenant Taylor was one of the finest fellows I’ve known in a long, long time.” Chief Jesse Schwab stated, “Lieutenant Taylor was one of my most efficient officers; a great loss for the department and a greater loss to his many friends. Men of his caliber are hard to replace.”
Officer, Michael Hutchison
Killed in the Line of Duty – February 6, 1976
On February 6th, 1976 Officer Michael Hutchison was shot and killed while attempting to apprehend Charles Cotton who had tried to cash a stolen check at the T & A Market at 660 S. Diamond St. Officer Roger Casler was also shot and injured during the incident. Within minutes of the call, twenty or more Officers, Deputies, and off-duty Officers were on the scene. Cotton was captured during a car stop on Interstate 71 by the Ohio State Patrol. Cotton was convicted for the murder of Officer Hutchinson and remains incarcerated. Officer Hutchison was a Vietnam veteran who had served in the Navy. Chief Hildebrand characterized Officer Hutchison as a very dedicated Officer. He was described by fellow Officers as being an excellent Officer who truly enjoyed the police profession.
Officer, Brian D. Evans
Killed in the Line of Duty – December 26, 2007
On December 26, 2007, Officer Brian D. Evans was shot and killed while attempting to assist an injured resident. Officer Evans was attempting to assist a wounded neighbor of the suspect when the wife of the suspect became the object of the assailant. As Officer Evans arrived at the suspect’s residence, he noticed a neighbor down the driveway. As the wife who was sitting in a vehicle with the Officer pleaded with Officer Evans to leave and call for additional help, Officer Evans exited the vehicle and pulled the wife to the driver’s side of the vehicle and ordered her to leave. Officer Evans immediately began to render help to the neighbor as the shooter appeared and began to fire an M4 rifle at the vehicle containing the suspect’s wife. Officer Evans intervened long enough to distract the shooter and allow the wife to escape to safety. The vehicle was hit at least 10 times; however, the wife was unharmed. As Officer Evans tried to confront the suspect, the suspect then turned and fired on Officer Evans, killing him with one shot from the rifle. Although Officer Evans was unable to save the neighbor in the driveway who died of multiple gunshot wounds, Officer Evan’s actions clearly saved the life of the suspect’s wife. The suspect surrendered to authorities following a 3-hour stand-off in which nearly 80 shots were fired.