Stow Police Department Continues Bastock's Annual Luminary Event

The Stow Police Department continued the tradition that fallen Officer Jonathan Bastock started three years ago. 

Jonathan V. Bastock, a Cuyahoga Falls resident, died suddenly on Feb. 5, 2011. He is the man responsible for the annual luminary ceremony in Stow where firefighters, officers and emergency personnel who have died are honored. 

During a plaque dedication to Bastock at the Stow Municipal Court House in September, Police Chief Louis Dirker said, "Jon had a respect for the duties and selfless service of law enforcement officers and firefighters, which inspired the annual luminary vigil. He originated the phrase, 'Remembering Those Who Held the Line.'"

Dirker said the department will continue the annual tradition in Bastock's memory.

Luminaries lined the front of City Hall Dec. 1, 2012 from 7 to 9 p.m.

PLEASE ADD PICTURES OR VIDEOS FROM THE 2012 EVENT TO THIS POST by clicking "Upload Photos/Video."

The ceremony is in honor of all fallen emergency personnel in the area. Last year the community lit more than 200 luminaries — 149 for police officers and 83 for firefighters. In 2011, the event was dedicated to Bastock, K-9 Knight and Twinsburg K-9 Bagio — fallen Twinsburg Officer Joshua Miktarian's police dog. 

This year the event was dedicated to Officer Jason Gresko, Deputy Jeff Sampson, Deptuy Joe Cochran, Officer Vince Bann and Firefighter Doug Santee. 

Click here for photos from last year.