Grateful
Reflecting on the recent events of the past several weeks, I would like to publicly acknowledge and thank the folks who devote their careers in the service of others.
I would Like to thank Geauga County Sheriff’s Office, City of Chardon and Chester Township’s road, fire and police departments for their efforts in preparing for and, more importantly, managing the drag brunch and story hour that fortunately did not result in any serious incidents.
I’d like to thank the other law enforcement bodies who helped in this as well.
Much of the public does not realize what it takes to prepare for and manage a situation that could have very serious consequences.
A special thanks to Sheriff Hildenbrand, Chief Niehus of Chardon and Chief Young and Captain Sherwood of our police department for their efforts, as I know they were working seven days a week for the past several weeks focused on contingency planning for these events.
On the morning of April 1, I sat in on preparatory conversations with Chester Fire Chief Shaw and appreciated the seriousness he and his crew took this matter. I’d also like to thank township Administrator Mark Purchase and Road Superintendent John Onyshko who were at town hall during the story hour.
After the drag events, what I had hoped would be a quiet Monday for our township certainly wasn’t that, with what could have a situation reminiscent of the Chardon Schools shooting. I am thankful that a student who saw something said something, that our School Resource Officer Nick Iacampo and the school took immediate and necessary actions to address the situation, and thank God that no one was injured in what could have been a very tragic situation.
I’d also like to thank Geauga County Prosecutor Jim Flaiz and his office for assisting our communities throughout both challenging situations. I am grateful for the outcomes and glad Mr. Flaiz, Chief Young and Dr. Marquardt represented us well with the media.
With the increasing divisiveness and lack of civility toward one another, I realize that some events and the potential counter-protests that may arise create a tremendous local burden of time, personnel and equipment, and at a significant expense to the taxpayers in our municipalities and the county.
Chester and Chardon are fortunate to have some resources, but many other townships I am certain do not. I have initiated conversations with our state Rep. Steve Demetriou regarding how townships can prepare for such situations, the associated risks and liabilities, and how and who should pay for the related expenses in managing public safety in these special circumstances.
Most important, I just wanted to publicly recognize and thank those who dedicate their lives in serving others. We are fortunate to have such people and we should all be grateful.
Ken Radtke Jr.
Chester Township Trustee
