Simon’s painting pays tribute to fallen officers

STAFF REPORT

BOARDMAN — Local artist Ray Simon has unveiled his latest painting to honor fallen law enforcement officers.

“Amor Honoro Officium Sacrificium,” which translates to “Love, Honor, Duty and Sacrifice,” was displayed Monday at The Framehouse Gallery, 7161 Tiffany Blvd.

As a part of this year’s National Police Week, the painting will be donated to The National Law Enforcement Memorial and put on display at the Welcome Center in Washington, D.C.

Simon said the painting was inspired by the death of Youngstown Officer Mike Hartzell.

“It is an honor to provide a lifetime tribute to the men and woman who have faced adversity, and through their loyalty and strength, have given their lives to protect the freedom we enjoy,” he said.

Simon has become nationally known for his sports-figure tribute paintings and military lithographs. He released “Forged in Fire, Iron and Steel,” last May to pay tribute to Valley boxer Kelly Pavlik. The painting is in the Butler Institute of American Art in Youngstown.

In 2003 Simon and Wilbert Funeral Services teamed up to create The Operation Iraqi Freedom Fallen Soldier program which provides customized military art lithographs to the families of soldiers of U.S. armed forces who have paid the ultimate price for freedom.