End of Watch for J. Miktarian 1974 - 2008

The Greater Cleveland area lost another officer last week. Joshua Miktarian was laid to rest on Friday, July, 17, 2008. He was killed in the line of duty at a "routine" traffic stop early one morning. At the young age of 33; he leaves behind his wife and his daughter only 3.5 months old.

Miktarian was shot in the head area 4 times all close range. He was shot from a 23 year old kid who had a concealed weapon. He did have a license to carry a concealed weapon, but did not have a license to kill someone. Miktarian did not have a chance to call his K-9 partner out. So his K-9 partner witnessed his death. Had his partner been called out I am sure the outcome of this situation of this horrible tragedy would have been much different.

The suspect was apprehended at his mothers house with one handcuff on from the traffic stop. So one would speculate Miktarian started to handcuff him and the kid drew his gun on him.

I watched the live feed of the funeral procession and the funeral ceremony on a local news website while at work. I had a rough day doing my job because I had this all on my mind. I can't imagine what it would be like to lose my spouse, let alone in the line of duty. I don't ever want to wake up in the middle of the night to a knock on my door. I know every day my husband walks out the door, there is a chance he will not come back. I realize we all have that chance, but his is greater much like all of us. I have tried talking to my husband about this situation and he is taking it very hard in his own right. He was a fellow brother. We never knew Miktarian but we all "related" through the Thin Blue Line.

I just need to suppress my own personal feelings and put my husbands life in the hands of his platoon. If he trusts them, I trust them.

To Mrs. Miktarian and your daughter... I am so terribly sorry. There is nothing I can write or say to put into words what I am feeling for you and your family. I am sorry I never knew Josh. He seemed like a really great man and your surrounding communities have lost a wonderful man. I know Twinsburg Police Department and the community will be there for you.

God bless you and your family.