Serving Lucas, Ottawa, Sandusky and Wood Counties
Members of the city of Oregon’s police department, fire and rescue personnel, and administrative staff joined together on May 17 for a day of remembrance in hosting the 59th annual memorial service in front of the municipal building.
For first-year mayor Steven Salander, it was the third time he’s attended the event, although his first as mayor. He said events like these are extremely important, especially in terms of reconnecting, which was referenced during the event by pastor Jeremiah Diegel.
“It's important for our community as we go throughout the day or go throughout the year,” Salander said. “We do have things that we'd maybe disagree on or what have you, but these are moments where we can actually come together as one and remember the fact that we are one community with one purpose and one goal.”
Each year, the event showcases city officials and staff honoring those who have passed, including police officers, firefighters, city officials, and other employees. One-by-one, those names were read as a way to honor them.
Assistant fire chief Mark Mullins moderated the event, which also featured a presentation of the flag by the Oregon Fire Honor Guard and a performance of the national anthem from the Clay High School marching band.
Chaplain David Kirk provided the invocation and benediction. City council members such as president Paul Drake and safety committee chair Kathleen Pollauf helped read off names and place a wreath, as did Salander.
Police chief Brandon Begin and assistant chief Ryan Spangler, as well as Mullins, battalion chief Andrew Laurell, and lieutenant Kyle Schilkey all helped read names, too. Retired district fire chief Mike Snyder also helped place a wreath.
Salander was appreciative of the collaborative effort involving the police and fire departments to put the event together. This year, the event featured multiple tents for guests, and he hopes that helped people be more comfortable and that it leads to more attendance in the future.
“It’s important that we do remember where we came from, that we do remember the people that came before us and served before us who paved the way for us to be here today,” Salander said. “I was moved, very moved.”
