The Shadow
At approximately 11am on Thursday, March 14, 2024, dozens of locals gathered on the 300 block of West Locust Street to remember Officer Caleb Ogilvie on the 2-year anniversary of “End of Watch.” Ogilvie was not only a dedicated guardian of the community who exemplified bravery and selflessness; He was also a loving father and dedicated husband to his wife, Natasha. Ogilvie’s unwavering commitment to the community left an irrevocable mark on the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Thursday morning, residents gathered on the closed block of West Locust Street to not only mourn the devastating loss of a hero but also honor his legacy with a “Banner Dedication” and ceremony, led by Covington Chief of Police, Chris Smith. After a few brief opening remarks, Smith moved on to read a poem by the late Paul Harvey, written in 1984 and appropriately titled, “Policeman.” The appropriate poem included lines such as, “If the policeman is neat, he’s conceited; if he’s careless, he’s a bum. If he’s pleasant, he’s flirting; if not, he’s a grouch… If he catches the criminal, he’s lucky; if he doesn’t, he’s a dunce..”
The moving and thought-provoking poem was immediately followed by the revelation of Officer Caleb Daniel Ogilvie’s banner that now hangs as a permanent fixture just across the street from Covington City Hall on the 300 block of West Locust. Smith invited the crowd, most of whom were already wiping fresh tears, into the street as the banner was revealed. Applause immediately broke out for the fallen hero who was and always will be, Officer Caleb Ogilvie.
Smith then made the announcement that the Covington Police Department had a “special gift for the family” in the form of a stunning quilt made by a few talented, nameless folks in Waynesboro. The immaculate quilt of red, white, and blue included Officer Ogilvie’s name in the center as well as a police badge haloed by yellow stars, reminiscent of an American flag. Smith presented the quilt to Ogilvie’s widow, Natasha Ogilvie, shortly before embracing her and concluding the banner dedication and ceremony.
We caught up to Sheriff Kyle Matt Moore immediately after the ceremony who shared a few words. “Today is a day about the Ogilvie family and paying respect for what Caleb did,” Moore said. “He gave the ultimate sacrifice and I hope that never happens again around here, but the possibility is there and that’s why we work hard, we train hard to try and avoid those situations. That’s why I’m putting a spotlight on some of the crimes that I’m trying to put the spotlight on. We’re hoping to avoid that in the future.”
Officer Caleb Ogilvie will forever be remembered for his heroic efforts that kept his community safe, as the fearless policeman who willingly gave the ultimate sacrifice to keep his fellow man safe, as the doting father who devoted every ounce of his free time to his family, and the loving husband who always took care of his wife, Natasha.
This article is dedicated to the memory and legacy of a true hero: Officer Caleb Daniel Ogilvie.
