Applause in council chambers as Shelby honors its police
The Shelby City Council chambers erupted in applause as a proclamation for National Police Week was formally presented to a Shelby police representative on May 15.
Mayor Steve Scag’s proclamation, one of two presented to the Shelby City Council, designated the week of May 14-20, 2023, as National Police Week.
Mayor Schag spoke about the significance of the proclamation and read it to the council.
“It is important that all citizens know and understand the duties, responsibilities, hazards, and sacrifices of their law enforcement agency, and that members of our law enforcement agency recognize their duty to serve the people by safeguarding life and property, by protecting them against violence and disorder, and by protecting the innocent against deception, and the weak against oppression,” he said.
Mayor Schag added, “We must recognize and pay respect to the survivors of our fallen heroes.”
National Police Week’s roots date back to 1962. That is the year President John F. Kennedy signed a proclamation, which designated May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day and the timeframe in which that date falls as Police Week, policeweek. org details.
Mayor Schag’s proclamation highlighted the essential role that the law enforcement agency members of the city of Shelby play in safeguarding the rights and freedoms of the citizens. It acknowledges the unceasing dedication of the officers of the Shelby Police Department in providing vital public service.
Mayor Schag also said: “I further call upon all citizens of the city of Shelby to recognize Monday, May 15, 2023, as Peace Officers
Memorial Day in honor of those law enforcement officers who, through courageous deeds, have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their community or have become disabled in the performance of duty.”
The mayor’s proclamation concluded with a heartfelt message. “Let us
recognize and pay respect to the survivors of our fallen heroes,” it said.
Representing the Shelby police for acceptance of the proclamation was Shelby Capt. Eric Rath.
“Captain Rath, we are so happy that you’re here this evening. If you would please take this proclamation and post it in a visible site. We surely appreciate the Shelby Police Department, and all you do,” Mayor Schag said.
In addition to the proclamation for National Police
Week, another proclamation was presented during the May 15 council session. This proclamation designated May as Poppy Month, a tradition officially recognized since 1922.
The proclamation acknowledges the American Legion Auxiliary’s annual distribution of buddy poppies, assembled by disabled veterans at the Ohio Veterans Home in Sandusky.
“The proceeds of this worthy fundraising campaign are used exclusively
for the benefit of disabled and needy veterans and the widows and orphans of deceased veterans,” Schag said.
Mayor Schag emphasized the purpose of this tradition, stating, “The basic purpose of the annual distribution of buddy poppies by the auxiliary is eloquently reflected in the desire to ‘honor the dead by helping the living.’”
He urged the citizens of Shelby “to recognize the merits of this cause” by supporting the cause generously, through their donations for buddy poppies, as well as the distribution of these symbols of
appreciation for the sacrifices of the honored dead.
Furthermore, Mayor Schag called upon patriotic citizens to wear a buddy poppy as a symbol of gratitude “to the men and women of this country who have risked their lives in defense of the freedoms which we continue to enjoy as American citizens.”
He declared, “Together, let us celebrate and promote Poppy Days.”
“You probably notice I’m wearing a buddy poppy that was given to me,” Schag also told council.
“It has been noted that on May 19th and 20th, the ladies will be out and
about on those days selling or giving poppies for donations to this so-wonderful and worthy cause,” he said.
The presentation of these two proclamations showcased the city of Shelby’s commitment to recognizing the contributions of law enforcement officers and veterans, demonstrating the community’s appreciation and support for those who protect and serve.
“Let’s give a round of applause for the gentleman,” Schag said as Capt. Rath stepped forward for the police week proclamation presented a day after
Schag participated in the Richland County Spread the Light event held in Ontario.
“First responders were honored, and blue lights were distributed for the observance of National Police Week,” the mayor said. “I encourage everyone, for this week, as a special way to say thank you to police officers, to wear blue if you can and also place blue lights in porch lights and so forth, recognizing the work of our police departments.”
Check the Daily Globe for further updates from city council.