Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

NEVER FORGET! Honoring the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Police Officer Jonathan R. "Russ" Long of the Akron Police Department, Ohio, and the additional 67 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.

Superintendent Joe Morbitzer (Retired)
Ohio Attorney General, Bureau of Criminal Investigation

August 15, 2024

Officer Long,
On today, the 10th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Akron. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

August 15, 2023

NEVER FORGET! On behalf of the Ohio Attorneys General Bureau of Criminal Identification & Investigation, we honor the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Police Officer Jonathan R. "Russ" Long of the Akron Police Department, Ohio and the additional 65 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.

Superintendent Joe Morbitzer
Ohio Attorney General, Bureau of Criminal Investigation

August 15, 2022

It has been a long time since I have posted any thing here but it has not been a long time since I have thought about you.

Every day my brother, every day my mentor, every day my friend.

Gary W Webb Sgt
Akron PD, last rookie trained by this training officer

July 22, 2022

Rest in peace always knowing that your service and sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

August 15, 2020

Rest in peace Officer Long.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

May 11, 2020

NEVER FORGET! On behalf of the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification & Investigation, we honor the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Police Officer Jonathan R. Long of the Akron Police Department, Ohio and the additional 59 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.

Superintendent Joe Morbitzer
Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification & Investigation

August 15, 2019

John 5:28, 29 - "Do not be amazed at this, for the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out". I pray that everyone can find peace in knowing that we will see this officer as well as many others again in Paradise soon. Until then, please accept my condolences.

A.W. Montgomery
Concerned Citizen

September 17, 2018

NEVER FORGET! On behalf of the Westerville, Ohio Division of Police, we honor the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Police Officer Jonathan R. Long of the Akron Police Department, Ohio and the additional 59 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.

Chief Joe Morbitzer
Westerville, Ohio Division of Police

August 15, 2018

I used to hear people say how they think of someone that has died "every single day" and found it hard to believe.

Now it is not hard to believe at all because I think of you every single day. The much too short time we worked together has given me a lifetime of memories.

Some good. Some bad. Some happy. Some sad. But every memory is mine.

Going under cover and then asking for permission to do it. Laughing at and with each other for the silliest reasons and sometimes for no reason at all. Taking our Signal 3 on Pfeiffer so we could watch The Simpsons...doh.

Sharing hopes for our future of working together for years. Contemplating the 2-5-8 jump so we would work together every shift. Telling each other personal thoughts that no one else knew because we trusted each other and we KNEW everything said was Signal 44.

I thank you for these memories and many, many more.

I think about you every single day. I miss you every single day. I tear up about you every single day. I love you as a brother and a friend every single day.

Thank you.

Sgt. Gary W Webb #864 (retired)
Partner-Akron Police Department

August 14, 2018

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

To the family of OFC Johnathan R. Long: First and foremost please accept my condolences on the loss of your father, son, friend and family member. I know that it has been a little over 3 years but the grieving and the pain doesn't go away. Nonetheless, my name is Veronica, I'm not a member of any law enforcement agency but I have always supported and appreciated our men and women who risk their lives daily to keep us safe. On yesterday, October 8th, I had the honor of cycling in the Texas Wheels of Justice aka Heroes Ride in honor of your family member. I wore a blue bracelet with his name, state & EOW date during the ride and will keep this bracelet as a very special keepsake, unless you all would like it. It's not just a bracelet to me, it's representation of his and your sacrifice in allowing him to selflessly care & serve daily for the 5 yrs that he served. I wanted to be sure that I let you all know that I am praying for your continued healing and know that he watching over you all, still protecting and serving. I'm thankful for the opportunity to have cycled 22miles in honor of your loved one. Continue to be blessed.

Veronica Whitworth

October 9, 2016

Officer Long,
On today, the 2nd anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Akron. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

August 15, 2015

Police Officer Jonathan Long ... the passage of time will never diminish our sincere appreciation for your dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice for us. Gold Bless You and your Families, both Red and Blue.

anonymous

August 15, 2015

I've had the pleasure of meeting Officer Jonathan Long, who had spoke at several of our FOP/Henderson Lodge # 105 Annual Recognition Awards banquet. Thank you for your service to your community and thank you for sharing with others the dangers and joys of being a law enforcement officer. May you rest in peace and may God give your family and fellow co-workers the faith, hope and courage to get this time of loss and to face another day.

Officer Ken Hendricks
Retired Massillon PD, part-time with Beach City PD, OH

May 3, 2014

We honored and remembered you at OPOTA today. It was a beautiful day. I was proud to be there for you with the Sidney Honor Guard Firing Battery. Be at Peace, my brother.

Off M.J. McRill #180
Sidney Police Department

May 1, 2014

RIP Russ your pain and suffering is over. Until we meet again.

Captain (Ret)
APD

March 13, 2014

Your bravery won't be forgotten, Officer Long, rest in peace. If I am the first to leave a reflect I'm humbled. My dad was a New York City policeman.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

March 11, 2014