The community of Westerville has recently taken the time to recognize its bravest and finest. In a ceremony hosted by the American Legion Young-Budd Post 171, two individuals were bestowed with the honor of Officer and Firefighter of the Year awards. The accolades went to Westerville Division of Police Lt. Greg Franey and Westerville Division of Fire Firefighter Mike Melfi. According to an announcement made by the City of Westerville, these public safety professionals were thanked for keeping the Westerville community safe.
Not stopping with individual recognition, the Westerville Division of Fire has garnered two notable commendations. Their Medic 112 crew, Greg Schlabach and Ryan Wamsley, recently named the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Department of the Month by OhioHealth EMS. In a separate incident, the Station 111 Unit 1 crew received recognition for life-saving actions during a critical two-vehicle incident, honored at the OhioHealth Trauma Care Conference. Fire Chief Brian Miller, firefighter/EMS Schlabach, and Wamsley were photographed together, celebrating this recognition.
In a different vein of community engagement, Westerville Division of Police officers wore pink patches in October to raise awareness for breast cancer. Officer Ashley Flack, who helped launch the initiative, was quoted as saying, "With a city of our size, breast cancer affects almost everybody. Behind this badge, I’m still a female and a mom, and we’re all a part of this community," emphasizing the initiative's impact, according to the City of Westerville. Westerville Police provided a lens into Officer Flack's perspectives and her efforts to use the badge as a conversation starter and a beacon of communal connection.
Citizens also took the initiative to connect with the local police force at the family-friendly Coffee with a Cop event. Officers from the Westerville Division of Police mingled with the public over coffee and baked goods at the Family Room Coffee & Bake Shop, helping forge bonds between law enforcement and their community. The commitment to the community doesn't end there, as Westerville PD will host a Blood Drive in December, encouraging civic involvement through blood donation.
One heartfelt letter from a resident put a personal spotlight on the city's public safety members. Westerville resident Pam Clegg praised the response of Lt. Daniel Lundy and firefighters/EMS Greg Schlabach and Eric Parkins following a call to her neighbor. Clegg's letter pointed out the team's thoroughness, stating via City of Westerville, "They observed the situation, not just the patient." The story captured in Clegg's message underlines the exceptional service these individuals provide beyond their call of duty, illustrating how they ensure the safety and well-being of citizens in more profound, often unseen ways.
