YOUNGSTOWN Police chief: Hats off to dedicated officers

The chief said he was touched by the funeral for slain cop Mike Hartzell.
By PATRICIA MEADE
VINDICATOR CRIME REPORTER
YOUNGSTOWN -- "God bless you, all. God bless you, Mike Hartzell."
Police Chief Robert E. Bush Jr. ended the Youngstown Police Department annual awards ceremony Friday afternoon with those heartfelt words.
The chief looked out over a sea of blue uniforms (and supervisors in suits) in Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church hall and aimed the first blessing at them. They all, he said, have pride and commitment in their work.
The second poignant blessing went to the "fallen, not forgotten" 26-year-old patrolman shot and killed in the line of duty April 29 and buried a week ago today.
"When the bell rang, everyone answered the bell," Bush said of the shooting aftermath. "We had to order some officers to go home to get some rest."
Detective Mike Walsh said the miles-long funeral procession last Saturday touched his heart and seeing people lining the route and kids saluting "brought this 28-year veteran to tears."
The awards program booklet, dedicated to Hartzell, has his picture, a replica of his badge, No. 1085, and the "Policeman's Prayer." The awards luncheon was attended by councilmen and several judges from the municipal, county and common pleas courts.
Introduction
Capt. Kenneth Centorame introduced Bush by saying that one of the chief's first duties (within a week of his appointment) was to do away with the rule that required officers to wear their hats on duty. The result? "He got into everyone's good graces."
Centorame, on a serious note, said the chief got the department through troubled waters and will continue to do so. The chief joked that Centorame is running for a state office.
Bush prefaced handing out the 2002 awards by saying that the tragic loss of Hartzell reminds everyone of the dangerous nature of police work.
"The efforts of those recognized here today are but a small part of what we do," Bush said. "The daily efforts of our officers, which are too numerous to mention, continue to reflect favorably upon the tradition that has become the Youngstown Police Department."
Bush had a smile and handshake for each award recipient.
Recipients
Recognition for solving the Brownlee Woods area burglaries this past winter went to Detective Sgts. Bill Ross, Pat Kelly and Anthony Longmire and Patrolman Chris Bonacci.
Detective Sgt. Kevin Mercer was credited with saving the life of a man who attempted suicide on the Mahoning Avenue bridge last summer.
For "continual, evident professional performance during the entire year," Patrolmen Mike Cox and Tony Vitullo were honored. Cox also received several meritorious awards.
Cracking a homicide that began with no leads earned awards for Detective Sgts. John Kelty and Pat Kelly. Bush said their perseverance and investigative skills led to charges against all involved.
For keen observation skills, attention to duty and diligence, the chief recognized Officers Colleen Lynch, Dan Mikus, Randall Miller, Eric Reese, Eugene Lopez and Tony Vitullo. Their work led to the apprehension of burglary or robbery suspects and, in one case, prevented a homicide.
meade@vindy.com