Winter  Edition - February 2015
 
 

Memorial Society Announces Expansion of Memorial

The Greater Cleveland Peace Officers Memorial Society announced its plan for an expansion of the their Memorial, which stands at Lakeside Avenue and West 3rd Street and honors the lives of 184 officers who were killed in the line of duty from Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, Lorain, Medina and Northern Summit Counties. 

“It has come to our attention that there were as many as nine officers who made the supreme sacrifice, but whose names are not on the wall for various reasons. Their time to be honored is overdue, and we are taking steps to honor their sacrifice,” said Chas Lane, President of the GCPOMS.

Statistics document that a police officer is killed in the line of duty every 58 hours in the United States. Sadly, we know the reality is that more names will be etched in stone in the future. Two additional pillars will be added to the current memorial, ensuring space for the nine officers as well as names to be added for years to come.

Now...here's our very own "Ice Bucket Challenge"! A patron ad in our program costs $20. All funds generated from patron ad sales will be earmarked for the expansion.
So...go to your Facebook page, Twitter account, your email contacts, accept the $20 patron challenge, and then, challenge your friends to do the same!

Together we can make this project happen, and pay a long overdue tribute to the fallen heroes whose sacrifice was almost lost to history.

Anyone wishing to become a sponsor or donate to this project at any level can contact Kathy Delaney, Executive Director at 216.538.6798, or kdelaney@policememorialsociety.com to the Donate Now button.

Please stand with us as we Keep “The Promise…”to never forget our fallen heroes.”
According to the National Law Enforcement Officer Memorial Fund (NLEOMF) in Washington, D.C., disturbing preliminary reports are that at the close of 2014 a total of 126 law enforcement officers died in the line of duty. "Law Enforcement fatalities in the U.S. rose 24 percent in 2014, reversing what had been two years of dramatic declines in line of duty deaths, based on preliminary data compiled and released on December 30, 2014 by the NLEOMF."
 
In the U.S., deaths  by firearms was the leading cause, with ambush being the leading circumstances. The recent ambush murder of two NYPD POs made abundantly clear the dangers officers face, and sadly the lack of respect for the rule of law by a small, but increasingly vocal minority.
 
We pray for the safety of all law enforcement officers who bravely serve our communities and ensure peace and safety in our country. They truly are the thin blue line between a peaceful society and anarchy. 

America's Finest                             
By: Chas. W. Lane, Jr.
President
It's great to witness the recent outpouring of support for our police. After the cowardly ambush attack and murder of the two of America's Finest serving with the NYPD, the media actually reported on the national news about some of the line of duty deaths of other law enforcement officers (LEOs) in the U.S. 
 

Sadly, the assassination brought to light what has been taking place since the founding of this great country.... our LEOs are on the front lines of the never-ending war on crime, one dying approximately every two and a half days protecting their communities. That is why blank space is purposely left on police memorials. That's dedicated to future casualties.
 

Post 9/11, 2001: Do you remember how seemingly everyone showed gratitude and respect to the safety forces. How long did it take for far too many to return to the so-called "silent majority"? 
 

To all citizens who truly appreciate and support the law enforcement community, thank you!  This country needs you to stand up and be heard. Stay the course!
 

To the members of the media who objectively report the news, thank you! This country needs fair and unbiased reporting, including in the national news about the LEOs who make the ultimate sacrifice ensuring safety in their community. Stay fair!
 

To the brave men and women serving in law enforcement and willingly going in harm’s way, thank you! Embrace the support, but don't allow all the rallies, blue lights, ribbons and signs sway you from practicing good tactics or lull you into a false sense of security. Stay safe!

2015 Events - Mark your Calendars

* Saturday, January 31st
Nuti Family Fundraiser

 * Saturday, February 14th
- CPPA Founder's Ball
- Fairport Harbor Police Association 18th Annual Dinner & Dance

* Friday, April 10th
 GCPES Night at the Races

* Saturday, April 18th
 - Cops For Causes
- 10th Annual Heroes for Andy Scholarship Gala

* Saturday, May 9th
Grave Marker Ceremony
& Placement

* Monday, May 11th
Candle Light Vigil

* Wednesday, May 13th
2015 Street Survival Seminar

* Thursday, May 14th
- Cleveland Police
Memorial Service
- Heroes Welcome Reception

* Friday, May 15th
- Police Memorial Parade
& Memorial Service
- Police Fellowship
Steak Roast

* Saturday, May 16th
-Police Collectors Show
- Cleveland International
Tattoo
- After Tattoo Cast Party

* Sunday, May 17th
Police Memorial Mass
& Breakfast

* Saturday, June 20th
Fourth Annual Vintage Police Vehicle Show

* Saturday, June 6th
CWRU PD 2nd Annual Safety Fair

* Sunday, June 21st
3rd Annual Cleveland Officer Down 5K Run/Walk

* Tuesday, August 4th
National Night Out Against Crime - Steelyard Commons
You’re Just a Cop – For What It’s Worth

An important part of the mission of the Cleveland Police Foundation is supporting our police officers and assisting them in ways that help them better perform their duties. We encourage you to support our courageous law enforcement officers who have the fortitude to serve. Whatever side of the fence you’re on, and especially if you’re on the fence, we encourage you to take a couple minutes to read this article. Read more…

Become a Sponsor
of the Greater Cleveland Police Memorial Weekend, contact
Kathy Delaney at
216-538-6798 or

For More Information...
 

GCPOMS 30th Anniversary Program Ads

Please join us in paying tribute to those officers who have paid with their lives, as we honor all fallen heroes, especially those from our region.
                               
On May 14 - 17, 2015 The Greater Cleveland Peace Officers Memorial Society will celebrate 30 years of honoring our fallen. Our annual Police Memorial Commemoration has become one of the finest in the country. Members and volunteers work hard year round to make that so, but the law enforcement community of northeast Ohio also deserves a lot of credit. With their support and participation, this commemoration has attained world-renowned status and recognition, and one with which you will be proud to be associated.
 
The GCPOMS publishes a program that is distributed to our many thousands of guests, supporters and dignitaries throughout northeast Ohio, the United States and Canada. This piece showcases our supporters and events, and features stories of our fallen heroes. To the survivors, it is extremely important that the community, for which their family member gave their life, continues to keep “The Promise” to never forget.

Place your Program Ad now!


 
"In Memoriam"
Joanne McConeghy
October 3, 1965 to December 20, 2014

We're sad to report that  longtime GCPOMS volunteer Joanne McConeghy passed away on December 20th, 2014. Joanne was a lovely person and will be missed by all who knew her. We extend our sincere condolences to her family and many friends.

 
Become A GCPOMS Member

Please support the Greater Cleveland Peace Officers Memorial Society by becoming a member today. Your membership helps us keep “The Promise” of assistance to police officers and their families during times of loss and illness, advances the education of law enforcement officers, and provides support to hold the annual Greater Cleveland Police Memorial Commemoration events for the community each year in May. Membership is open to all, not limited to law enforcement.
 

GCPOMS EXECUTIVE BOARD

Effective November 2014 Kathy Delaney has assumed the role of Executive Director and will oversee the day to day operations of the organization. She can be reached at kdelaney@policememorialsociety.com
Also joining the Executive Board is John T. Dean (Hudson PD) who has been elected to Vice President. John can be reached at jtdean@policememorialsociety.com.

HOF Ohio License Plates

These special plates can be purchased on line at www.OPlates.com or through the Bureau of Motor Vehicles. Ask the staff at your Deputy Registrar’s Office for the “Honor Our Fallen” specialty plates when renewing/buying your vehicle’s license plates.
Thank you to all who have purchased these plates and all those who will purchase their plates soon. This is a great way to keep the promise to never forget!
 
This year we are honoring these amazing individuals for exemplary service to our country and community:
 
 Jim Milano, President Milano Monuments
The Samuel H. Miller Lifetime Achievement Award
 
Tom Dean, Chair Grave Marker Project and
John Dean, Vice President GCPOMS
GCPOMS President’s Award
 
Lieutenant Paul Shepard Fairview Park PD
The Anthony J. Johnson Sr. Police Officer of the year Award
 
 Jason Salupo, Owner West Park Station
The Patrolman Norman A Drew Memorial Man of the Year Award
 
Chaplain Richard Bartley, Bratenahl PD 
The Lance Corporal Andrew Nowacki Memorial Veteran of the Year Award
 
Mark “Munch” Bishop, Host ESPN Cleveland Tonight
GCPOMS Honored Friend Award

Purchase a congratulatory ad for the above award recipients here.
Your text caption goes here
Think You Know What Police Do?
Cleveland Police Chief Calvin Williams did quite an admirable job fielding tough questions by CBC News correspondent Bill Whitaker in a 60 Minutes story about the Cleveland Division of Police.
read more
 
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