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ODNR OFFICER DIES IN THE LINE OF DUTY

Ohiosam

*Supporting Member*
11,707
191
Mahoning Co.
COLUMBUS, Ohio – It is with deep regret that the announcement is made of the death of Natural Resource Officer Jason Lagore who died while responding to a call at Rocky Fork State Park on February 23, 2021.

“Our hearts are with the family and loved ones of Officer Jason Lagore, who died in the line of duty last night,” said Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Director Mary Mertz. “Our law enforcement officers and their families carry a unique and challenging burden of responsibilities, and we are deeply grateful for their service.”

Officer Lagore was responding to a call at Rocky Fork State Park in Highland County just before 6:30 p.m. on reports that two people had fallen through the ice near the North Shore boat docks. During the search, Officer Lagore suffered a medical emergency and was taken to Highland District Hospital in Hillsboro, Ohio, where he was pronounced deceased.

A 13-year-old male who fell through the ice was able to get out of the water. He was taken to the hospital in stable condition. The second victim, a 16-year-old female, was recovered by divers unresponsive. She was transported to the hospital but was later pronounced deceased. ODNR is leading the ongoing investigation into the incident.

Officer Lagore was a dedicated officer, having served 15 years with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. He was responsible for the first ODNR K-9 academy, led the Division of Parks and Watercraft K-9 training program, and was well respected across the state for his expertise working with K-9s.

When he wasn’t proudly serving ODNR, Officer Lagore enjoyed deer and turkey hunting, loved history, and enjoyed vacations with his family.

Officer Lagore is survived by his wife Michelle, his two young sons, and his K-9 partner, Sarge.

We ask that the privacy of Officer Lagore’s family be respected during this time.
 

Fletch

Senior Member
Supporting Member
6,078
118
May he rest in peace... Prayers to his family... Just never know when you put that uniform on whether or not your coming home...
 

giles

Cull buck specialist
Supporting Member
Pretty sad mood around these parts. A kid and an officer. This is the second WLO with something major happen this year. Same County as the one that got shot.
 
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Ohiosam

*Supporting Member*
11,707
191
Mahoning Co.
HILLSBORO, Ohio — A 16-year-old girl saved her brother’s life Tuesday night after the pair fell through the ice covering Rocky Fork Lake. Emergency responders couldn’t save hers.

The 13-year-old boy was freezing and calling for help when a construction worker found him around 6:30 p.m., according to Lt. Branden Jackman of the Paint Creek Joint EMS and Fire District.

His department responded flanked by crews from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and dive teams trained to carry out rescues under ice.

They retrieved the girl’s body around 11, Jackman said.

The boy was hospitalized with hypothermia at Highland District Hospital.

“After the fact, it turns out that she got him out before she succumbed,” Jackman said. “Don’t go out on the ice. It caused a very bad tragedy last night.”

The girl’s identity had not been publicly released by Wednesday night. Jackman said the tragedy should remind Ohioans not to risk their lives by walking on frozen bodies of water.


“You look at water and you think, ‘Oh, it's just water,’” he said. “Thirty-six-degree water is no different than a three-story house fire. They'll both kill you just as quick.”

Ohio Department of Natural Resources Officer Jason Lagore suffered a “medical emergency” at the scene during the initial phases of the rescue, according to ODNR spokesperson Stephanie O’Grady.

First responders transported Lagore to Highland District Hospital, but he was unable to be resuscitated. Lagore had worked for the Ohio Department of Natural Resources for 15 years.

READ ABOUT HIM: ODNR officer who died at drowning scene was K-9 expert, 15-year veteran

The Highland County Sheriff’s Office is assisting the Ohio Department of Natural Resources in its investigation of the incident.
 
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