The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
STRETCH OF ROAD HONORS MAZANY
Section of Route 2 between Routes 306 and 615 dedicated to fallen Mentor police patrolman
Two summers ago, on June 24, 2018, Mentor Police Patrolman Mathew Mazany’s life was cut short by a fatal hit and run.
He was struck at about 1 a.m. while assisting with a traffic stop on the eastbound side of Route 2.
He was taken to TriPoint Medical Center in Concord Township, where he was pronounced dead.
Now, the section of Route 2 between Routes 306 and 615 has been dedicated in Mazany’s honor.
The City of Mentor and the Mentor Police Department helped memorialize the fallen officer during a July 31 ceremony held in front of the police department on the north lawn.
“Matt made the ultimate sacrifice in the performance of his duty that day,” said Police Chief Ken Gunsch in his opening remarks. “Since his death, we’ve honored his sacrifice and his life, and after today everyone driving on state Route 2 between 615 and 306 will also remember and reflect upon his life and his sacrifice.”
The ceremony included comments by Mentor City Manager Kenneth J. Filipiak and State Rep. John Rogers. Members of Mentor City Council, administration, safety forces and guests were in attendance.
The ceremony was not publicly announced to aid in the effort of social distancing.
“I think all of us remember that night approximately two years ago,” Filipiak said. “And each time I drive that stretch of roadway, I think about it each time, and I don’t think I’m alone in that reflection.
“With this dedication today, we can perhaps think a little less about the tragedy and begin to fill that space in our minds with his legacy,” he continued. “He’s an example of the dedication and courage shared by all police officers who put their personal safety aside, who we rely on to help mend the tears in the fabric of our society.
“That example is his legacy and what I hope we remember as we drive that stretch of highway from this point forward.”
Mazany was 41 years old and had been on the department for over 14 years. He had been the recipient of the department’s Exceptional Service Award.
“For the Mentor Police department family, you are moving from a personal tragedy to legacy, the city council is privileged to help in a small way to make that happen on your behalf,” City Council President Bruce Landeg said in his remarks.
After the 132nd General Assembly honored and celebrated Mazany’s life in Columbus during the fall of 2018, Rogers approached Mazany’s family after the ceremony about introducing legislation on behalf and in honor of his service.
Rogers, along with the Gunsch, Rep. Jaime Callender and Mentor City Council, worked to get that section of the highway recognized. The legislation was signed by the governor in March of this year.
“Today, we see what we have worked for become a reality,” Rogers said.