Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

NEVER FORGET! On behalf of the Ohio Attorneys General Bureau of Criminal Identification & Investigation, we honor the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Deputy Sheriff Rodney Kevin Kinzy of the Washington County Sheriff's Office, Ohio and the additional 77 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.

Superintendent Joe Morbitzer
Ohio Attorney General, Bureau of Criminal Investigation

April 17, 2023

Rodney was a great man. I thought of him as an uncle. He was my dad's partner, and lived at my grandma's house for a while. I remember hanging out with him all the time. I would watch practice archery, and he would talk with me about the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. The last time I saw him was right before he went on his last shift. He had driven over, in his cruiser, to get the paper from my parents. I ran out to see him, and waved as he left. His last words to me were "see you later buddy." When I woke up the next day for school I walked into the living room, and immediately understood something was wrong. My parents had clearly not slept, and my dad was sitting on the couch still in a state of shock. He told me Rodney had been killed. I was 8, and that day was over 32 years ago. I still think about Rodney often, and how he was stolen from those who loved him. I'm much older now than when he was when he was murdered. His loss is still felt.

Captain Japheth Rauch
US Army

July 13, 2022

NEVER FORGET! On behalf of the Ohio Attorneys General Bureau of Criminal Identification & Investigation, we honor the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Deputy Sheriff Rodney Kevin Kinzy of the Washington County Sheriff's Office, Ohio and the additional 77 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.

Superintendent Joe Morbitzer
Ohio Attorney General, Bureau of Criminal Investigation

April 17, 2022

NEVER FORGET! On behalf of the Ohio Attorneys General Bureau of Criminal Identification & Investigation, we honor the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Deputy Sheriff Rodney Kevin Kinzy of the Washington County Sheriff's Office, Ohio and the additional 76 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.

Superintendent Joe Morbitzer
Ohio Attorney General, Bureau of Criminal Investigation

April 17, 2021

NEVER FORGET! On behalf of the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification & Investigation, we honor the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Deputy Sheriff Rodney Kevin Kinzy of the Washington County Sheriff's Office, Ohio and the additional 73 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.

Superintendent Joe Morbitzer
Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification & Investigation

April 17, 2020

Deputy Sheriff Kinzy,
On today, the 30th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Washington County. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

April 17, 2020

Nathan, after reading your post I need to let you know what kind of man your father was. As you know there are people that we meet as we travel down life’s path that have a profound impact on our lives. Your father was one of those men. When I started with the Sheriff’s Office in March of 1987 your father was working in Corrections. I learned very quickly that your father had a drive about him that was not forced upon him from a supervisor or a policy it was something that came from the heart. Your father instilled that drive in me and he did not even know it. I wanted to be like your father. These are a few characteristics that your father instilled in me and I am sure into others:
- Hard work
- Honesty
- Always seeking the truth
- Integrity
Your father was not only respected by his co-workers but by the individuals who found themselves incarcerated at the Washington County jail for the crimes that had committed. In fact after your father was murdered I had several inmates express their condolences as they though a lot of him. While working on the second floor of the old jail your Father once asked me who we worked for. Of course I told him that we work for the Sheriff. Being new at the time I thought I got this rite. Your father said "no" we work under the Sheriff always remember we work for the Citizens of Washington County always give them you all. I will never forget that and I follow that guiding light every day of my career for the last 32 years. Your Father gave the Citizens his all.
I miss my friend and a piece of society died that day April 17, 1990.

Chief Deputy Mark Warden
Washington County Sheriff's Office

July 1, 2019

Rest in peace Deputy Sheriff Kinzy.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

March 28, 2019

NEVER FORGET! On behalf of the Westerville, Ohio Division of Police, we honor the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Deputy Sheriff Rodney Kevin Kinzy of the Washington County Sheriff's Office, Ohio and the additional 70 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.

Chief Joe Morbitzer
Westerville, Ohio Division of Police

April 17, 2018

His Judgment Day:
The officer stood and faced his God, Which must always come to pass. He hoped his shoes were shining, Just as brightly as his brass.
"Step forward now, Officer, How shall I deal with you? Have you always turned the other cheek To my church have you been true?"
The officer squared his shoulder and said, "No, Lord, I guess I aint, Because those of us who carry badges can't always be a saint.
I've had to work most Sundays, And at times my talk was rough, And sometimes I've been violent Because the streets are tough.
But I never took a penny That wasn't mine to keep.. Though I worked a lot of overtime, when the bills got too steep.
And I never passed a cry for help Though at times I shook with fear. And sometimes, God forgive me, I've wept an unmanly tear.
I know I don't deserve a place among the people here. They never wanted me around except to calm their fear.
If you've a place for me here, Lord, it needn't be so grand. I never expected or had too much, But if you don't...I'll understand.
There was silence all around the throne, where the saints often trod. As the officer waited quietly for the judgment of his God.
"Step forward now, Officer. You've borne your burdens well. Come walk a beat on heaven's streets, You've done your time in hell"

Author unknown


Nathan,

I am a former City of Parkersburg, WV police officer. I was hired and went through the WV State Police Academy in January 1989. I also worked, part-time, for my sister who was managing the Washington County Open Door Home. This is where I met your father as he was also working there part-time. We spent some off-duty hours together at a Parkersburg club called Remedies. This was a place where many off-duty officers hung out and Rod and I liked to play pool, so that's what we did. Your dad thought he was better than he actually was, so he often had to pay me the 25 cents that we put on each game. (it's my story and I'm sticking to it)

Rod and I had spoken, at the Open Door Home, and we were gonna go play pool the next day after our shifts. I had taken a prisoner to Magistrate's Court the following morning to be arraigned and they had a radio on. The announcer stated that a Washington County Deputy had been killed but he got the name wrong. He said Deputy "Kizer." My mind raced and I felt guilty for hoping that they got the name right and it wasn't your dad. Broke me heart to find out the truth.

Now I don't want to make it sound that we were best friends, because we were not, but we did have a new friendship which was growing. I rode in the 1st non-Washington County police cruiser (a Parkersburg cruiser) during the processional for your dad's funeral. I didn't handle it all to well and that's why I have never written on this site until now.

Your dad was a very "cool" guy (I know "cool" may be a dated word but it fits). He was not easily rattled. Working the ODH together I saw him deal with some very upset and violent juveniles, but he remained calm and did right by them anyway. He always spoke of offenders in a "hopeful" manner... hopeful that an arrest, or sometimes just the contact, would have a positive effect on their lives. I have always hoped that some of that rubbed off on me and that I was a better officer because of it.

The newspaper, in Noble County, wrote an article about your dad's sacrifice which was extremely well written and stated that the people of Noble county knew that Rod answered a "Call in the Night" from their Sheriff and his life was stolen by a coward with a gun. I have the clipping somewhere and will post it on here when I locate it. Your father was a great police officer and a good man.

Rod, my friend... I miss you still and often.

Rick

Former Patrolman: Rick Ashwell
Parkersburg Police Dept.

September 8, 2012

Deputy Kinzy,

I remember hearing stories about you from my parents when I was growing up and they always spoke highly of you. I wish I had the opportunity to have known you. Every day when I walk into work, I look at your plaque on the wall. Your sacrifice and service will never be forgotten. God bless.

Deputy Logan Schwendeman #612
Washington County Sheriff's Office

June 10, 2012

Deputy Sheriff Kinzy,
On today, the 22nd anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Washington County. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

April 17, 2012

Dear Nathan: I have read your posting a number of times over the years. You may not remember me but I was that one at your home the night of your father's passing. You have even been to my home along with your brother and sister. Your Dad and I were room mates at one point. This is why I am trying to reach you. I recently moved and in the course of packing and or unpacking, I came across an item that belonged to your father. It was a badge that I believed that he ordered shortly before his death. Give me a shout. I would like to see that it finds its way to you and your siblings.

Sgt. Joseph Rauch
Formerly - Washington County Sheriff's Office

January 31, 2012

Your heroism and service is honored today, the nineteenth anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer who was murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered. Rest In Peace.

I am sure that you are very proud of your son Nathan and his continuation of your legacy of serving and protecting. I hold your family in thought and prayer today.

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

April 17, 2009

Rest in peace brother, you have made the ultimate sacrifice.

Middletown P.D. (Ohio)

April 17, 2008

"The Badge"

He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.

He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.

Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.

He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.

His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.

He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.

And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.

But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.

Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.

Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.

So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.

In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.

Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.

Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

January 8, 2008

I still think of you quite often.I am glad that I knew you.I will never forget your sacrifice on that terrible night.488

Captain Jack Brum
washington county sheriff's office

December 13, 2007

Thank you, Sir, for your bravery, dedication and sacrifice. Nathan - May you and your family take comfort in knowing thay your dad will FOREVER be a hero and will NEVER be forgotten! I know he was a great rold model by the letter you wrote. Here's to your dad: Kevin, until one day in Heaven we meet, keep walking your beat on Golden Street watching over the thin blue line.

DET SGT, Retired
AR

November 9, 2007

Nathan,
I also was touched by your reflection. I do not remember you, but I do remember your father. I was also young when our fathers went out together that night. I was reading a reflection of a brother that had passed before his time when I remembered the night that your father made the ultimate sacrafice. Like you Nathan I have also followed my fathers footsteps into law enforecement and will always remember that Tuesday night.

Rod you will be missed always and always remembered. RIP

Deputy Stephens
U.S. Marshals Service

September 20, 2007

My junior year at Marietta College, I was sworn in as a Special Deputy with the Lowell Police Department in Washington County, Ohio. The following year when I was a senior a few weeks before my graduation, I vividly remember the circumstances of your violent and untimely death.

Although we did not know each other, I took your death hard and personally. By all accounts, you were a good cop and a good man. If I had been on duty that night, I would have been at the scene, as every LEO in a multi-county area was there for the standoff that followed.

When I visited the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C. three years ago, I made sure to locate your name on the memorial and say a prayer for you. God bless you and your family. You are not forgotten.

Prosecuting Attorney Michael R. Moran
Village of Hartford Solicitor's Office

January 28, 2006

Nathan,
As I read your reflection I am crushed! I try to feel your loss but can't come close. I am a former Deputy Sheriff with Washington County Sheriff's Office. Being a Deputy is like being a Marine, you are never an ex-Marine or an ex-Deputy, you are a former Marine and a former Deputy. I never knew your dad. I came on with Washington County September 24, 1990 just after your dad's murder. As you know our unit numbers are the month and year we are hired, I was 990. Your dad's murder was taken very hard by the entire Office. As a new Deputy at the time, I could feel the heaviness of everyone's hearts. I got to hear alot about your dad and I feel like I know him. Your dad was a blast and an incredible man and Deputy, as I understand. I was one on the Honor Guard Members that helped dedicate the Memorial for our fallen Deputies.

It does my heart good to hear you have become the man your dad would have wanted you to be. Your dad gave his life in the name of justice.

I left the Sheriff's Office in May 1995 to become a Columbus Police Officer. Your dad will never be forgotten and he died with HONOR! I will pray for you and your family. My heart and soul hurts for you. Please call on me if you ever need anything.

In Christ,

Don Paden- Former Deputy Sheriff of Washington County #990
Mark 8:38

Officer Don Paden
Columbus Police, OH

January 19, 2006

Assisting other officers.....nothing more needs said. Rest In Peace Brother Deputy!

Sgt. Alan Adair #30-29
Guernsey County Sheriff's Office (OH)

January 10, 2006

Our uniform the same, so too will you remain. Never forgotten. Rest easy, brother.

Deputy M. Moore
Warren County S.O. (OH)

Dad,
In two days it marks the 12th year since your death. Not a day goes by that I do not think of you. Your memory keeps me going here at Ranger School and I keep a photo and a poem close by me to remind me of you. Even 12 years later I cannot write this without crying. It's funny how when I was a little boy I always wanted to be just like my dad and be a cop. I love the outdoors just like you and want to be a Law Enforcement Ranger for the Park Service. My dreams became a reality the other day when I got a job as a wilderness Ranger in Olympic National Park. I remember the times that I would watch you press your uniforms and wash your cruiser. You were always so proud of what you did. I feel the same way and often still look into your eyes for approval. Everyday that I get up and Press my uniforms and place my gun upon my hip I will always think of you.Here is the poem that was written about you:

The Fallen Peace Officer

Another Hero has fallen
Another Son has been lost
Sadly, In life's daily struggle
We've paid a terrible cost

Everyone has felt the heartache
Of losing someone so dear
We mourn the fallen warrior
and softly shed a tear

His strength will give us courage
to face each daily task
His memory will give us comfort
and soften the worlds blast

His presence will be here always
His memory will not be stilled
The duty will be done as usual
But his shoes will never be filled

I love you daddy and I promise you that I will always be safe and make it home to my wife and children and that I will look after mom. I miss you and love you with all of my heart!

Your son,
Nathan Kinzy

Nathan Kinzy
Hocking College Ranger School