The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
MEMORIAL PROJECT MOVING FORWARD
Inspired by Mazany’s death, city to honor public safety forces
A permanent memorial for public safety force members is underway in Mentor.
Site work has begun on property next to fire station No. 5 on Civic Center Boulevard for the project, borne out of the death of patrolman Mathew Mazany in June 2018.
“This is a safety forces memorial to honor those who have given their life in the line of duty both present and past” police Chief Ken Gunsch said. “This includes fire and police.”
The memorial was designed in conjunction with Brunner Sanden Deitrick Funeral Home, which got involved shortly after Mazany’s death.
“We discussed creating a memorial that would be visible in the community so that he and any other local first responders are not forgotten,” said President Adam J. Sanden.
“We are providing the actual memorial that will be on display, and worked with several of our vendors to get other aspects donated (such as) pavers, concrete, etc.”
It is anticipated to be completed in June. What exactly it will look like is being kept under wraps for now.
“This is a safety forces memorial to honor those who have given their life in the line of duty both present and past.” — Police Chief Ken Gunsch
“Since it’s a one-of-akind project, we’d prefer it not to be revealed until completion,” Sanden said, noting that it is a work in progress.
He revealed that there will be granite elements and bronze casts of a police hat and fire helmet.
“We are proud to work with the city of Mentor Police and Fire departments on this project,” he said. “We appreciate what they do to keep us safe and feel this is the least we can do to show our appreciation.”
The city’s contribution, along with design input, is site preparation and underground utility work, mostly being done by city crews.
“We are grateful for the generous donation and ... it is my sincere hope we never have to add names to the memorial in the future,” City Manager Ken Filipiak said.
Two Mentor safety force members have died in the line of duty. Along with Mazany, Mentor Village’s first police officer, Lawrence Yaxley, died Jan. 30, 1927, while replacing a broken manhole cover. His service weapon fell from his holster into the sewer, hitting the bottom and discharging.
Mazany was struck and killed by a vehicle while providing backup to a call on Route 2 near Route 306. The city renamed that stretch of freeway for him in July.
Brian Anthony of Kirtland pleaded guilty to several charges related to the crash and was sentenced to 11 ½ years in prison.
“The safety memorial reminds every one of the inherent risks associated with people involved in public safety,” Gunsch said. “Police encounter dangerous situations daily, and (firefighters) are exposed to dangers while fighting fires or other duties they become involved with during the course of their shift. The memorial provides a location for people to honor and also reflect upon on all safety forces, both local and national.”