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Area law enforcement pays respect to fallen Colerain Twp. officer

COLERAIN TWP. — Dozens of local troopers, officers and deputies came together this morning to show support for one of their own who was killed in the line of duty.

Miami Valley law enforcement officers gathered at the University of Dayton Arena before heading south for the funeral of Colerain Police Officer Dale Woods at 8:30 a.m.

Woods died after being hit a by a driver earlier this month while working a crash scene.

“The last time we had close to 80 patrol cars,” said Miami Twp. Police detective Dan Wessling on Monday morning. “We’re expecting that again.

The group eventually made their way to the procession for the fallen officer.

Wessling said that regardless of where in the country it happens, each time an officer is killed, it hurts.

“Already this year there’s been six line of duty deaths,” he said. “Three being struck by vehicles and three by gunfire.”

Officers said that showing a strong presence from the Miami Valley is the least they can do for Woods and his family.

“When they see this kind of support, it kind of warms them and makes them feel like they’re part of a family,” Wessling said. “We’re all family.”

Most officers will be back in their districts by Monday evening.

However, the experience and the reality of the dangers for those who serve and protect will continue.

“Makes a person realize it doesn’t matter the size of your department, where you’re from, you just never know when something bad can happen,” said Wessling.

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