Thursday, May 14, 2015
monument honors service of Hubbard officers
By LINDA M. LINONIS
HUBBARD
A police memorial monument recognizing service of past, present and future officers was dedicated Wednesday afternoon in front of a crowd of about 80 including community members and police from the city and township.
The monument depicts an officer on horseback, the city’s first brand-new cruiser in 1952 and officers in front of the safety center. It also features the passage from Matthew 5:9, “Blessed are the Peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”
Mayor John Darko said no city money went to the monument, located next to the Hubbard City Safety Center. The project was completely funded by donations from businesses, organizations and community residents, making it a true community project.
Hubbard City Police Chief James Taafe recalled when the mayor asked him a couple of years ago why the American flag was at half staff at the police department. Taafe explained it was National Police Memorial Week, which recognizes officers who died in the line of duty.
“That was the genesis of this,” he said of the police memorial. “The community gave generously of time, materials and money to make this possible,” he said.
Extra funds will go to Hubbard Christians in Action and St. Vincent de Paul Society food pantries.
The City Transformation Team, whose motto is “Transforming our city through care and counsel,” also evolved after the mayor talked with a couple of pastors who asked how they could help the city. CTT chaplains, who pastor churches in the city and township, participated in the service.
Lou Carsone, safety director, paid tribute to the first peace officer killed in the line of duty – a constable in New York who was killed while making an arrest in 1791. In 1962, President John F. Kennedy proclaimed May 15 as National Peace Officers Memorial Day and that calendar week as National Police Week.
“Those who enter this service are called to do so,” Carsone said. “They help make the world a better place.” He added that police officers and their families are “unsung heroes” because they are “ready to make sacrifices.”
Carsone said being in law enforcement is “emotionally and physically challenging” along with being dangerous. He said the community’s support of the memorial reflects its appreciation of the police department and its work to keep residents safe.
Sgt. Greg Tarr of Hubbard Township Police Department said both city and township departments have dedicated full- and part-time officers.
Sgt. Chris Moffitt of the city department, representing Fraternal Order of Police No. 132, expressed appreciation for the outpouring of community support.
Perry Alexandrides, regional liaison for Jon Husted, Ohio secretary of state, presented the city a certificate of commendation.
The Rev. Luke Oskin, pastor of First Baptist Church and CTT member, said ride-alongs with police have given chaplains a “new experience and understanding of what police officers go through.”
Ben Kyle of Stewart-Kyle Funeral Home spoke as the monument was unveiled. “This is a lasting memorial to officers of the past, present and future.” He and Dan Livingston, city service director, worked on the logistics of the memorial.
The Revs. Brad Bloomster, Matt Medford, Dave Garlich, Ray Ake, Rob McFarland and David Coxson, CTT chaplains, participated.