The family of Sgt. Brian Dulle, from left: son, Jackson, wife, Abbie, and daughters Maddie, 12, and Emma, 11, prays during a memorial dedication for Sgt. Dulle, the first Warren County sheriff’s deputy killed in the line of duty. The Enquirer/Carrie Cochran
Dozens of law enforcement officers and everyday citizens gathered on a gray and cloudy Friday morning to remember a fellow officer, friend and devoted family man.
The simple granite memorial in front of the Warren County Sheriff’s Office in Lebanon pays tribute to Sgt. Brian Dulle, who became the county’s first deputy to be killed in the line of duty two years ago today.
Surrounded by deputies wearing black mourning bands, Warren County Sheriff Larry Sims paid tribute to the fallen sergeant whose heroic actions he said saved lives.
“To say this was a huge loss to many is an understatement. An entire community has suffered this loss and has been healing since that tragic event,” he said. “We’re happy to see that there’s going to be something that will continue to allow Brian to live on.”
Dulle, 36, died instantly in 2011 when he was struck by a fleeing vehicle as he deployed stop sticks at Utica Road and U.S. 42 in Turtlecreek Township.
He left behind his wife, Abbie, and their three young children, Madelyn, 12, Emma, 8, and Jackson, 6.
The 22-year-old driver of the stolen vehicle, Marcus Isreal of Middletown, was found guilty in 2011 of eight charges, including murder, and sentenced to 25½ years to life in prison.
Abbie Dulle declined to speak with reporters, saying only, “It’s still too hard. We didn’t lose Sgt. Dulle. We lost Brian.”
Behind the badge, Dulle was a dedicated father and husband, who organized family vacations and often went out of his way to help others, said his father, Ed Dulle.
“Brian was there for everyone. In a way it’s not shocking that he would lay his life on the line for somebody else — helping others was everything to him,” he said.
Dulle’s mother, Denise, said she was touched by the outpouring of community support.
“It blesses my heart that Brian has been remembered and honored. He loved his job. He loved his community. It’s bittersweet,” she said.
“Nothing brings him back, but the fact that they have not forgotten him and want to honor him, that makes us feel better,” added Ed.
Members of the Ohio Patriot Guard stood in silence carrying 3-by-5-foot U.S. flags as State Rep. Ron Maag dedicated the area of U.S. 42 between Lebanon and Waynesville – the area in which Dulle was killed – the “Sergeant Brian Dulle Memorial Highway.”
Over a public-address system a radio dispatcher announced:
“Attention all Warrant County units. Route 42 north and south of Utica Road is now officially the Sgt. Brian Dulle Memorial Highway. You will never be forgotten.”
