Community responded to needs of injured officer

Community responded to needs of injured officer

EDITOR:

On Nov. 11, an alleged drunken driver struck the rear of Austintown Officer Ross Linert’s cruiser at a high rate of speed, causing it to explode into a ball of flames. Officer Linert was burned over 30 percent of his body, which resulted in Ross being placed in a medically induced coma and undergoing numerous surgeries.

Approximately three weeks ago Chief Robert Gavalier received a phone call from Lt. Pete Lucic from Trumbull County Sheriffs Department, along with Sgt. Ed Anthony from Warren Township Police Department, advising that they wanted to put on a wrestling benefit show and for all the proceeds to be donated to Ross and his family. At that time we promoted the wrestling benefit by radio and television and started receiving support from law enforcement agencies throughout the area, along with citizens and businesses wanting to donate and attend the wrestling event. The event was a huge success and also showed the bond between fellow officers, no matter where they work.

The officers, citizens and businesses of the Mahoning Valley came together and reached deep within their hearts to help the Linert family, this shows the true spirit of the Mahoning Valley. On behalf of Chief Gavalier, the Austintown Police Department, Ross and his family, we want to thank the Mahoning Valley for their acts of generosity and sincere thoughts and prayers towards Ross’s recovery.

A special thanks to Advanced Marking Systems, O’Donald’s restaurant, Youngstown State University, Buffalo Wild Wings, Fairfield Inn, Quaker Steak & Lube, Austintown Board of Education, Barry Dyngle’s Restaurant, Wedgewood Pizza, Austintown K-Mart, Mr. Sports, Ron Verb, Home Savings & Loan, Manning Engraving, Austintown Giant Eagle, WFMJ 21, WKBN 27, WYTV 33, Kelly Pavlik and Mike Cefalde.

Det. Sgt. RAYNOR HOLMES

Det. KATHY DINA

Austintown

A bell-ringer of a lesson

EDITOR:

Saturday I rang the Salvation Army bell from 10 a.m. to noon at the Shops at Boardman Park. It was my first time to volunteer for this wonderful organization.

I was so impressed with the smiles on the children’s faces when they put money in the kettle. What a good lesson Moms and Dads are teaching their little ones.

Then there was a couple who told me about a firefighter who had written a big check to the Salvation Army because the Army had been at every fire he had fought. Another man recalled the coffee he received in World War II, and a nice lady shared a piece of hard candy after she placed money in the kettle.

The people made my two hours go very fast and I will look forward to doing this again next year.

In this day of credit cards, let’s remember to carry some cash for the kettle.

God bless us all.

JULIA McGATH

Poland

Acknowledging the elves

EDITOR:

There are special holiday elves quietly moving through our Valley. I’d personally like to acknowledge and thank Marlene and Merv Hollander for their many kindnesses toward the children and families of the Rich Center for Autism. They recently held a Christmas party for children and staff with Santa bearing many gifts purchased by their dedicated staff. They wish for no accolades, but I think it is important for our community to know what kind, loving and generous people they are, along with their entire staff.

PHYLLIS (RICH) RICCHIUTI, Co-Founder

The Rich Center for Autism

Youngstown