ONTARIO — The Ontario Division of Police has plans for a memorial to honor officers. Two granite stones will stand in front of city hall as a tribute to current Ontario officers as well as U.S. officers killed while serving their communities.
Citizens have the opportunity to contribute to the memorial fund by dining at TGI Fridays on one of six designated days in March.
An anonymous donor created an annuity with the Richland County Foundation to benefit the Ontario Police Department. The initial $6,700 payment to the department enabled Police Chief Rodney Smith to begin plans for the memorial.
Ontario Captain Robert Greiffenstein and Officer Adam Gongwer collaborated on the memorial phrases and artwork, while Smith approved the overall design.
A five-foot stone will honor officers currently serving the Ontario community. The front of the stone features an officer saluting the American flag and a Bible passage from Matthew 5:9, “Blessed are the Peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”
The back of the stone includes a Latin phrase that means “the welfare of the people is the highest law.” The department’s values of professionalism, respect, discipline, integrity and bravery are also listed.
A second stone will measure three feet in diameter and pay tribute to fallen police officers throughout the U.S. with sayings that put their sacrifice into perspective. The round stone features a photo of the Ohio State Law Enforcement Memorial as well as the National Law Enforcement Memorial rose and shield emblem.
Smith contracted with Longstreth Memorials for the stone work that will cost $14,000. JS Concrete and Construction will complete the lighting, foundation and electrical components of the project for $5,000.
Ontario Mayor Randy Hutchinson suggested partnering with TGI Fridays for a fundraiser. Community members can support the memorial project by visiting the 900 N. Lexington Springmill Road location on March 6, 7, 8, 13, 14 or 15 between the hours of 11 a.m. and midnight. When patrons show their server a photo on their device or a paper copy of the fundraising flyer, 20 percent of food sales will be donated to the memorial fund.
“Please come out and participate with us for this great cause,” Smith urged.
TGI Fridays has operated in Ontario since Feb. 2016.
“We really want to the community to know that we do want be involved in Ontario,” Operations Specialist Maddie Van Alman said.
Modern Woodmen of America Financial Representative Gregory A. Boyce offered to partner with Smith to raise funds for the memorial as well. Modern Woodmen makes conscious efforts to invest in local communities. The financial service organization will match up to $7,500 in proceeds from the TGI Fridays fundraiser.
As a former Ontario police officer, it’s also a personal issue for Boyce.
“The last couple of years have been pretty negative towards law enforcement,” Boyce said. “I wanted to contribute of a positive nature to show our respect and our appreciation for officers.”
Though no Ontario police officers have lost their lives in the line of duty, Smith said he wants the memorial to be constructed out of respect for officers.
“It will mean a lot to the community,” Smith said. “Law enforcement has been in the forefront for many years – both the good and bad. The memorial will show support for all that law enforcement does and will honor their caring nature.”
The memorial is scheduled to be completed in late June. The exact date will depend on how quickly funds can be raised and the timelines for materials to be imported. A ceremony will be held at city hall upon completion of the project.
With ongoing annuity payments, Smith hopes the memorial can be expanded in future years.
Donations for the memorial project can also be made directly to the Ontario Division of Police. For a photo of the Fundraising at Fridays flyer, visit the Ontario Police USA Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ontpd. Paper copies are available at Ontario City Hall located at 555 Stumbo Road N.
