The Fraternal Order of Police has named local lodge, William J. Taylor Lodge 32, the “Ohio Lodge of the Year” for 2014.
This honor is awarded to the lodge that excels above all others based upon the lodge’s representation of its membership, the members’ involvement in the community, and the lodge’s demonstration of community service. The selection is made by a statewide committee representing more than 28,000 members from law enforcement in Ohio.
“It’s quite the honor,” said Mike Bammann, the local lodge president. He shared that during the FOP state convention that was held in July, he and fellow lodge members were pleasantly surprised to be awarded this recognition; however, he noted, “We do what we do not to be recognized, but we do it because it’s right and we want to do it.”
The William J. Taylor Lodge is made up of about 240 members from local law enforcement agencies throughout Richland County, excluding Shelby, which has its own local lodge.
Bammann expressed, “Our main function is to support the effort of our membership. The local officers have always been generous to their communities and we try to help through our fundraising efforts.”
One of the lodge’s most notable fundraisers is the annual “Cops-n-Kids Program,” which provides new clothing to families.
Bammann estimated that the lodge supports 30-40 different programs and events, many of which benefit children, such as youth athletic leagues, safety town programs, DARE programs, and more.
“The basic function of law enforcement is to help protect those who can’t protect themselves, and those who stand out at the head of group are children and the elderly. This [lodge] is our way helping the kids in our community,” he said.
Bammann noted that much of their efforts wouldn’t be possible without the generosity of the local community. “The people in Richland County are extremely generous and we appreciate them,” he said.
Mansfield Police Chief Ken Coontz thought the recognition given to the local lodge was well-deserved. “I think it’s fantastic and very appropriate. I can tell you that the members and officers work extremely hard and they’ve earned this,” he said.
