The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
A SYMBOL, A MISSION
Businesses make inscribed rock possible for police department
“The words ‘blessed are the peacemakers’ are particularly powerful because police officers in reality are peace officers...one of our most important and critical roles is to keep the peace in our communities,” says Richmond Heights Police Chief Tom Wetzel.
His department and the Richmond Heights Service Department this week installed a rock in front of the police station engraved with those words — “Blessed are the peacemakers,” to serve as a reminder to visitors and officers alike of what Wetzel describes as a primary function of their job.
Wetzel said that police are certified as peace officers through the Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy, and when they do their jobs well, creating peace is the
“As police departments throughout the nation work to build trust with those they serve, a word like peacemaker reinforces to everyone that cops are the good guys.” — Tom Wetzel, Richmond Heights police chief
ultimate result.
“Words do matter, and as police departments throughout the nation work to build trust with those they serve, a word like peacemaker reinforces to everyone that cops are the good guys,” Wetzel said.
The police chief was first inspired to create the engraving when he saw a similar rock with the same inscription placed outside the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, and decided to figure out how to acquire one for the Richmond Heights’ station.
Wetzel said he asked their resident “jack-of-alltrades,” veteran officer Tim Casto, to do some research on how it could be done.
Two local family-owned businesses responded to Casto’s inquiries by offering
to donate their services towards this project — Keeney Sand & Stone, Inc located in Painesville donated the rock itself, and Northcoast Memorials located in Willoughby inscribed the phrase for free.
“It was really generous on both of their parts,” Wetzel said.
The group effort did not stop there — Wetzel said department Human Resources Manager Kathy Gamber and Mary Muehle from the city’s Civil Service Commission donated solar-powered lighting to illuminate the rock in blue at night so it would still be visible.
“The rock is really beautiful when bathed in blue light and allows for it to be a focal point both night and day,” Wetzel added. “We want the rock to grab the attention of every visitor who comes to our police department.”
The chief said the rock
serves as a physical reminder of the personal sacrifices officers make for the job, and the goals they hope to achieve in their communities.
Wetzel added that police often pay a heavy price in their years of service, risking not only their physical well-being in dangerous situations, but the job additionally takes a toll on their mental health through witnessing traumatic events and suffering.
“While so many Americans were able to enjoy a recent peaceful Christmas morning, there were plenty of cops patrolling their streets to keep them safe while they themselves missed Christmas morning with their families,” Wetzel said.
“Being a peace officer is a noble and honorable profession and this simple quote of ‘blessed are the peacemakers’ can serve as a regular reminder.”