MADISON TOWNSHIP — Pastor Robert Kurtz called it one of his favorite days of the year.
It was Local Heroes Sunday at Mansfield Baptist Temple, 752 N. Stewart Road.
“The Bible says, in Romans Chapter 13 and verse 7, it says to render therefore to all their dues, and at the end it says, ‘Honor to whom honor is due,'” Kurtz said.
“Today, we honor our local heroes,” Kurtz said.
“I don’t know about you, but I love Richland County. I moved out for a short time and I was happy to move right back into it. I’m thankful for each of you and all that you do for our county and keeping us safe and all that that you sacrifice for us,” the pastor said.
During the service, local law enforcement officers and firefighters/paramedics were honored in an event that included many local elected officials — and U.S. Sen. Jon Husted (R-Ohio).
“I think it’s the first time we’ve ever had a U.S. Senator in our church service, and so that’s pretty special,” Kurtz said, thanking Husted and his wife, Tina, for attending.
(Below are photos taken at Mansfield Baptist Temple’s Local Heroes Sunday service. The story continues below the photos.)
In addition to Sheriff Steve Sheldon, Mansfield Police Department Assistant Chief Mike Napier and Lt. Jason Murfield from the Mansfield Post of Ohio State Highway Patrol, all seven Richland County judges were in attendance: Mansfield Municipal Court judges Michael Kemerer and David Badnell; Richland County Probate Court Judge Kelly Badnell; Richland County Domestic Relations Court Judge Beth Owens; Richland County Juvenile Court Judge Steve McKinley; and Richland County Common Pleas Court general division judges Brent Robinson and Phil Naumoff.
State Sen. Mark Romanchuk and state Rep. Marilyn John were in attendance, as was Mansfield Mayor Jodie Perry and Shelby Mayor Steve Schag and Richland County commissioners Darrell Banks and Tony Vero.
“We say thank you for all that you do for our community and thank you so much for taking some time to come to Mansfield Baptist Temple so we could say thank you for all that you do,” Kurtz said to the first responders and elected officials in attendance.
Each department, including the Madison Township Fire Department, had an honoree receiving a plaque from the church.
“On the back, it says your courage, sacrifice and daily commitment to protect and serve do not go unnoticed. On behalf of Mansfield Baptist Temple, we want you to know you are not alone,” Kurtz said.
“Our church family stands with you, prays for you, and thanks God for your service to our community. May this plaque be a reminder that you are deeply appreciated, supported and a hero in our eyes,” the pastor said.
Three special honorees from the Mifflin Township Fire Department were also honored. All three were injured during an explosion while battling a house fire June 25 on Becky Lane — Asst. Chief David Markle, Capt. Todd McElwain and Capt. Matt Elgart.
“On behalf of Mansfield Baptist Temple and our community, we honor your bravery. Thank you for your leadership, and want you to know that you do not stand alone. MBT stands with you. Thank you for your help,” Kurtz said.
