Roadway to be dedicated in honor of fallen Kirkersville police chief

Washington Court House City Schools (WCHCS) will dedicate campus road "Steven Eric DiSario Way" to the fallen Kirkersville Chief of Police in a ceremony on May 18.

Chief DiSario graduated from Washington Senior High School in 1997, and tragically lost his life in the line of duty. DiSario was killed by a single gun shot while exiting his cruiser behind the alley of the Pine Kirk Care Center nursing home last May.

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"Eric exemplified the values taught at Washington and carried those values into adulthood,” Fayette County Sheriff Vernon P. Stanforth said. "Eric's dedication led to his service as a police officer and to his ultimate sacrifice in his attempt to intercede in a violent situation," Sheriff Stanforth said.

“As the former D.A.R.E. Instructor for the Washington Court House City Schools, I had the honor of instructing Eric. As a parent of Eric’s classmate, I had the privilege of Eric visiting my home on many occasions, “ Sheriff Stanforth said.

The roadway begins at the main entrance of Washington High School, Washington Middle School, and the Washington Athletic Complex, and runs through the heart of the campus.

"Chief DiSario continued to live by the values instilled in the Blue Lion Family every day of his life, and we are honored to have such a man be raised in our great community,” said WCHCS Superintendent Tom Bailey. "The dedication of this roadway that is used daily by over half of our district is a small gesture in comparison of the ultimate sacrifice that Chief DiSario gave, but honoring him in this way will keep the story of his bravery alive for generations to come."

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In addition to DiSario Way, the Washington Court House Police Department and the Class of 1997 have prepared annual scholarships in Eric DiSario's name, both of which will be presented at the ceremony.

WCHCS will also honor the Washington Court House Police and Fire Departments, Fayette County Sheriff Department, and Fayette County EMS personnel.

"With International Firefighters' Day, National Police Week, and National EMS Week all taking place in the month of May, our students are also excited for the opportunity to honor all of our local first responders," Bailey said. "We want everyone who puts their life on the line for our safety and well being to know that the Blue Lion Family appreciates your service and are truly thankful for all that you do to keep our community safe."

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DiSario's mother Robin, wife Aryn, their six children, and approximately 10 to 15 other family members will attend the ceremony, along with Ohio Senator Bob Peterson, Kirkersville Mayor Terry Ashcraft, local first responders, government officials, and students.

Friday's ceremony will begin at 1:00 PM at the Veteran's Memorial in front of Liberty Hall.

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