Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

The loss felt by those that know you is all so apparent in these posts and it very literally brings me to tears.

Rest in peace Brother. You are truly loved.

Cpl. Tim Rzepka (Retired)
Anne Arundel County Police Department, Maryland

November 1, 2010

You would be 36 this coming Birthday. How time flies.. I love you so very very much. I wish U were here..love mom

Joshsmom
Mother

September 24, 2010

Josh,
I remember the days at school when you were just a kid, the days of you hanging out at the bachelor pad. I remember the look in your eyes when you were eagerly asking me advice on how to become a Police Officer. I vividly remember how you hung on every bit of advice I gave you on how to land your first cop job. Josh you took that advice and made yourself into a great officer. I look back now and wish I would have told you to pursue another career. I know that if you had not choosen to be an officer many peoples lives would be less fulfilled. You were a great Officer and did yourself, your family, and the badge proud. I wear your name on my bracelet every single day to work as a reminder of how I should be as an Officer. It was my pleasure to know you as a friend and as a brother officer.

Patrolman Michael Williams
Akron Police DeptM

July 27, 2010

While today is a tough day, we reflect on all the good times and smile knowing that you are watching over us everyday with the company of angels. Rest in peace, Josh. We still have the watch.

Chief Chris Noga
Twinsburg PD

July 13, 2010

Two years Josh. Two long years since you were taken from us. Feels like much longer than that since I've spoken to you or seen your smile.
A day doesnt go by where your not mentioned. And our little girl knows you and I will make sure she always knows you.
Just a couple weeks ago we got the justice you deserved, your killer was sent to prison to sit on death row.
We miss you and love you forever. One day we'll be together again.

Holly Miktarian
Wife

July 13, 2010

THE VIEW FROM HERE
July 24, 2010

Judge Elinor Marsh Stormer sentenced Ashford Thompson, 25, to death after his having been convicted by a jury for the murder of Twinsburg Police Officer Josh Miktarian during a traffic stop that took place almost two years ago on July 13th, 2008.

There have been many comments voiced by area citizens regarding this homicide and resulting trial and conviction of the perpetrator, Ashford Thompson. Some, including Thompson, members of his family, and his defense attorneys have attempted to justify his having shot Officer Miktarian with a claim of self defense.

After the facts and statements made by Thompson
and most important, his own admission that he shot Officer Miktarian four times in the head it was reasonable to expect the resulting guilty verdict of the court and the imposition of the death penalty by Judge Stormer. I ask you, the reader, to remember in addition to the admission of the shooting Thompson never stated he was sorry but said if given the chance he would do the same thing again. He and his defense council attempted to use self defense as justification for his actions saying Josh Miktarian was antagonistic!

I had the honor of meeting Officer Miktarian on several occasions and observed him and his dog at work in dealing with a verity of situations. He was always respectful and considerate of others. If he had one fault, perhaps it was that he had a tendency to be too nice when dealing with some members of the community. Was this out of fear of being accused of being biased towards minorities or was it just his nature? Only he could answer that but of course that is no longer possible.

I ask you to think with me for a moment; Thompson’s self defense effort was faulty from the start. To shoot Officer Miktarian once in the head is unjustifiable under the circumstances surrounding the stop. For Thompson to say he was “Disrespected” by Miktarian is immaterial. Even if he was shown disrespect by officer Miktarian there can be no justification to take the life of any person because of disrespect whether real or perceived. Yet Thompson administered one shot, most likely fatal and at the minimum disabling, to the forehead of Josh Miktarian. He then stood over his body and fired THREE additional shots into his head! There can be no defense for this action.

I am a believer in our justice system. However, I believe we give too much time, effort, and money to the “Criminal Justice System” and not near enough to the “Victim Justice System.” We all are painfully aware that there have been instances where innocent people have been convicted of crimes even including capitol offenses. However when it is proven that an individual is guilty, not just beyond a “Reasonable Doubt” but beyond ALL Doubt, why do we persist in spending thousands upon thousands of dollars in legal proceedings in an effort to justify the actions of those that have committed a capital offense?

Our system is such that if I were to rob the local bank branch and in the process kill the teller and one of the responding officers, and all of this is recorded on the video surveillance system and I admit to the offenses, I am still afforded a trial and court appointed legal counsel all in an effort to either justify my actions or prove that it was not really me that committed the acts! Assuming I am found guilty and sentenced to death it is expected that there will be numerous appeals over many years and thousands of additional dollars spent on my behalf before I am ever executed.

It is my belief that I should be executed within ninety days and it should be broadcast live on national television, but only after having a fifty-fifty drawing for the privilege of being the executioner. The proceeds of the drawing could be divided with half going to the winning ticket holder and the remainder used to pay for the ridiculous legal expense associated with the trial and events leading up to the execution. This would send a clear message to everyone that this is what can be expected when one is convicted of a capital offense when there is no question of guilt.

For those that may think this letter is the ramblings of a far right white extremist, I am a retired Black Police Sergeant in his sixties having retired from the Akron Police Department in 1996. I consider myself to be a Moderate Conservative “Independent” Republican and an active member of the Catholic Church.

I realize some, including members of my Church, may take issue with some of what I have stated in this letter. The fact remains that I see a downward spiral of our society’s common sense and morality and find myself fearful of what the future holds for us unless we take action in an attempt to gain some semblance of an ordered society. Will this be easy? No, I do not believe so, however if the good and decent citizens begin to speak up and get involved, I believe our communities and our country can return to the principals that helped to make us a great nation.

I extend my condolences to the family and loved ones of Josh Miktarian and to our community. His death is a tragic loss that should be felt by all. I ask that God extend his grace each of us.

Richard D. Reese

Richard Reese Retired Sergeant
Akron Police Department

June 25, 2010

It's over Josh. Justice was served. The good guys won.

Dan
TPD

June 24, 2010

Justice has been served.... RIP Josh!!! Holly and Thia are in my prayers and thoughts... God Bless You!!!!

Michelle Dratch

June 23, 2010

God has delivered a righteous jury who convicted your killer on every charge he committed toward you. Your family, friends and brothers/sisters in blue are fighting for the justice you so deserve and its happening, Josh. No one will ever forget you and your memory is fresh and alive in each of our minds and hearts. Every day. We miss you so much. God bless you for all the memories you have left for so many to remember, those which create smiles when they come to mind. You made an enormous impact and still make one to this day, even though you are gone from here. Your daughter us beautiful and looks just like you! Your beautiful wife is keeping your memory alive and well for her so she knows her incredible daddy. You are so sorely missed.

Anonymous

June 10, 2010

Rest easy brother, we have the Watch from here

Policeman
Phoenix Police, Brother in Blue

June 3, 2010

I still remember seeing your wife and daughter at the candlelight vigil during Police Week the year you were taken. That image still breaks my heart, and I will keep them and the rest of your family and friends in my thoughts and prayers as the trial begins this week. There's a lot of love going out to them.

Thank you for your selfless service. Rest in peace!

Officer's Wife
Cincinnati, OH

May 20, 2010

We all love and miss Josh just as much today as we did before this happened. What an incredible man who has been stolen from all of us. He's keeping the heavens blue with all our other heroes.

Anonymous

April 26, 2010

Thinking of you today. Thank you for your sacrifice for it will never be Forgotten. May you walk that glorious "beat" now in Heaven alongside our Lord..
God Bless,

Jaye Cleveland Ohio
Citizen

April 8, 2010

A few months before your murder Josh I stopped and cited your killer for a traffic violation on I90. I don't remember that incident but I never stop wishing I could have ended this then. I'm so sorry.

John Thompson
Wickliffe PD

February 18, 2010

His ultimate sacrifice will never be forgotten. May the Lord coninue to comfort the hearts of all who loved him.

Joanie
Mother, daughter, sister & granddau.of LEOs

February 7, 2010

Thinking of you today as how proud you would be of your wife to be sworn in as a reserve uniontown police officer!! You left such an impression on the whole world when you left us so suddenly.Miss you!

Carrie Williams
friend

November 30, 2009

To Josh's mother, Minda:

I read some of your reflections today and just wanted to reach out to you. I share your anquish in losing a beloved child which surely has to be life's greatest sorrow. I understand the pain you are in, I understand all the sleepless nights, and the moments you realize tears are streaming down your face when you haven't even known you were crying. I understand the meaning of lives forever altered and the void that no one else can fill, nor do we want anyone to fill it because it belongs to our most precious son. I hold you in my heart's embrace today.

I hold Josh's wife, baby, and his other loved ones in thought and prayer, and hope they understand why this message was sent only to you.

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

October 3, 2009

Happy Birthday Josh
age35..ILY Mom

mother
twinsburg oh

September 27, 2009

Josh, Its hard to believe a year has past. The memory of that horrible Sunday morning will never be forgotten and nor will you. Rest in peace.

Schneck
S.C.S.O.

July 13, 2009

To Officer Joshua T. Miktarian, his family and his fellow officers with the Twinsburg Police Department:

Our heartfelt thoughts are with you on the anniversary of Officer Miktarian’s tragic death and we honor him for his valor and sacrifice to the community. Rest in Peace, Officer Miktarian and thank you for your service.

Wives Behind The Badge, Inc
Members and Staff

July 13, 2009

Happy Father's Day Joshua

Mindy Barlow
Joshsmom

June 20, 2009

I miss you as it was yesterday, how our lives have changed. ily

joshsmom
Joshua's Mother

May 31, 2009

I saw the tribute your wife left you on the walls of the National Law Enforcement Memorial last week. It was beautiful, simple and brought tears to my eyes. What a beautiful daughter. Rest in peace.

Anonymous

May 17, 2009

It police memorial week and just wanted you to know you are still are remembered in my thoughts and prayers.

God bless and thanks for watching over Twinsburg from above.

Dennis Barney
Friend

May 14, 2009

My thoughts are with all of your loved ones as I know their daily struggle to get through each day. I know the first thing they think of when they awake each morning is of you and the last thought before they drift off to sleep at night is of you. Your Mom carried you in her arms when you were a baby and now she carries you still in her heart and will for as long as she walks this earth. Continue to watch over all of your loved ones and wrap your wings around all of them and protect them and help ease some of their grief. You will never be forgotten.

Bob Gordon
Father of Chicago Officer: Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

April 21, 2009