Police Officer Jonathan R. Long

Russ,
It seems like only yesterday you and I were wearing our Police uniforms for the very first time during the last week of our academy in 1986. I remember you getting out of your car when you picked me up on that day as we carpooled to work, You got out and looked me over and said, "you look good", I repeated the same thing back to you. I will never forget that infectious smile and your quick wit, I remember the study session with the four of us, You, Me, Jeff, and George, that always started as earnest efforts to study but always seemed to end up as a crazy social event that became stories that I tell to this day. We were all so young, and our whole lives and careers were ahead of us. Now at the twilight of a career, I cannot help but reflect on those early days, I remember the first day of the academy when you were the only person I knew because of our high school days at Akron East H.S. Even after the life shattering incident that left you trapped in a unfair and unjust condition, You became a role model for me and countless others. Being on my Police Motorcycle escorting you to your final resting place was one of my proudest and yet saddest events in my life. Russ, The Community will never forget you, The Akron Police Department will never forget you, And I promise, I will never forget you. R.I.P. Buddy

Officer Jeffery L. Ross #792
Akron Police Dept

October 14, 2016