This year's 2019 Richland County Law Enforcement Appreciation Day will be held on Aug. 13 from 4 to 8 p.m. This will be the fourth year for the event and O'Charley's Restaurant in Ontario will once again play host.
Last year's event drew a large crowd. Local residents were given a chance to meet police officers from all branches of Richland County. Every branch has been asked back and are expected to attend this year's festivities.
Those in attendance will be Richland County Sheriff's Office, police departments from Mansfield, Ontario, Lexington, Shelby, Bellville, Crestline, Plymouth and Butler, park rangers from Charles Mill, Pleasant Hill and Clear Fork, Richland County Game Warden Greg Wasilewski, Richland County Dog Warden Dane Howard and Richland County Prosecutor Gary Bishop. Various elected officials from throughout the county will also be on hand.
Features for this year's show will include public and hands-on safety displays; a K-9 demostration, multiple police units, local elected officials and a classic car, truck and motorcycle cruise-in. Blue lights will be given out for resident front porches to show support of law enforcement. New this year, a driving simulator that will challenge young drivers. A raffle will also be held during the show to help offset the costs.The raffle will be open toeveryone at the show.
Last year, officers from the countyand cruisers at the show were given dash plaques and will be given out again during this year's show.
For the second straight year, the show will offer limited spaces to local businesses, organizations or groups that would like to be a part of the event. These spaces will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Interested people should contact the coordinator early. “We had about 15 booths of businesses and groups that joined us on the lot last year.
Already we have had several new ones that have contacted me anre are joining us this year. So, I think we'll see some growth in that area for the show. It's shows the county as a whole likes the celebration. But there is limited space for me to use, so anyone interested should contact us early.” states Rickel.
The committee for the event has been active throughout the county, seeking help by personal contact, mail and through emails to promote the show as well as collecting raffle items.
Any non-parishable donation suitable for raffle would be welcome, and credit for the donation will be noted. Businesses, organizations or individuals needing more information or who would like to donate to the show can contact Jeff Rickel at 419-884-7075. Checks can be made out to “Law Enforcement Day – Jeff Rickel, Coordinator”. All monatary donations can be sent to Jeff Rickel, Coordinator, P.O. Box 3338, Lexington, Ohio 44904.