monument to be relocated to new municipal building site
of those who protect and serve are killed needlessly,” the mayor said. “The location was not an oversight. When it was determined that the frontage of the new building had to be reduced, we realized that the site is no longer acceptable for the monument’s relocation.”
Because of the sloping terrain, the location of the new building was changed. Therefore, there were fewer options for the monument’s location.
“There is no leaving the fallen officers behind. The plan is to make a memorial park to remind everyone of their sacrifice,” Mrs. Kuhn said.
The mayor’s proposal elicited no support among council meeting attendees, which was full of the fallen officers’ family members, co-workers and friends.
Representatives of the families of Sgt. Schrott and Officers Connolly and Crawshaw said they believe the monument must be relocated to the site of the new police headquarters.
“I cannot understand why no one reached out to the families, that they didn’t consider our wishes. This has opened a deep wound,” said Joanne Alexander, the daughter of Sgt. Schrott. “You may think it has beenmany years, but the pain does not lessen. The only acceptable solution is to move the monument. We feel that by leaving the monument at the present building, it will be forgotten.
“We want it to be where present-day officers will not forget their fallen brothers. We feel there is a suitable location at the new building.”
As Ms. Alexander showed Mrs. Kuhn a map of the new site, Penn Hills police Officer John Debasi gave council another perspective.
“Some officers tonight were presented with certificates, but these men [Schrott, Connolly and Crawshaw] and their families made the ultimate sacrifice.”
John Diogardi, representing Rome Monument, offered to do the relocation for free. “You’ve got a beautiful story. You’ve got our support,” he told council.