ABC6, NBC4: Columbus Police Officer Surprises Father at OhioHealth Riverside Methodist Hospital

Recently, Randy Rosser was diagnosed with stage four, inoperable lung cancer and admitted to OhioHealth Riverside Methodist Hospital for treatment.

Randy was scheduled to receive his first dosage of chemotherapy on November 3. Coincidently, that is the same day his son, an officer with the Columbus Police Department (CPD), was set to be recognized at the Columbus Police awards ceremony with a Medal of Merit for helping to arrest a rape suspect connected to multiple cases. Because he was admitted to the hospital for treatment, Randy would have to miss the ceremony.

Randy’s wife, Rose, knew her husband would be heartbroken to miss seeing his son’s recognition. So she called Sgt. Mollette with CPD to see if they could bring the presentation to the hospital.

“I thought this would turn a depressing time in our lives into a positive,” said Rose.“He didn’t hesitate to make accommodations to come to the hospital to surprise my husband by recognizing our son in front of his dad.”

The afternoon before the awards ceremony, a large group of the Rosser’s family and friends, as well as OhioHealth associates and CPD officers, gathered in a room on the floor where Randy is receiving treatment. His nurse went to his room and told him they were going to take a walk. As he was wheeled down the hallway and into the room, he was greeted by applause from the crowd.

“What the heck is going on?” said Randy as he was wheeled into the room.

“We brought the awards to you,” said Officer Rosser.

Officer Rosser was presented with his Medal of Merit, which he instantly put around his father’s neck. After the ceremony, family and friends were able to enjoy some time together over pizza and cake.

ABC6 and NBC4 were both at Riverside to cover the surprise. You can watch their stories above.