The Cuyahoga Falls and Silver Lake Police Memorial and Honor Guard Foundation will host the annual Police Officers Memorial Service to pay tribute to fallen officers and those who have served on Wednesday, May 14, at 10:00 a.m. at the Police Memorial, located at the Cuyahoga Falls Civic Center Campus, 2310 2nd Street. This year's keynote speaker will be Lieutenant Colonel Joshua M. Swindell, Assistant Superintendent of the Ohio State Highway Patrol. With over 30 years of distinguished service, Lt. Colonel Swindell has risen through the ranks and oversees critical statewide operations. He graduated from the FBI National Academy and the U.S. Army War College.
"The Cuyahoga Falls Silver Lake Police Memorial stands as a lasting tribute to the courage, sacrifice, and unwavering dedication of the men and women who have served our communities with honor," said Steve Amos, Chairman of the Cuyahoga Falls and Silver Lake Police Memorial and Honor Guard Foundation (CFSLPMF).
Prior to the ceremony, three names will be inscribed on the memorial wall: Jeff Childers, who served the City of Cuyahoga Falls for 35 years from 1972 to 2007, retiring as a lieutenant; Richard (Dick) Darmstadt, who served the City of Cuyahoga Falls for 25 years from 1971 to 1996; and Gary Moss, who served the City of Cuyahoga Falls for 26 years from 1973 to 1999. The memorial was dedicated in 2012.
"The men and women of the Cuyahoga Falls Police Department serve our residents with unmatched dedication and professionalism," stated Mayor Don Walters. "I am deeply grateful for our their commitment to our community, both past and present.
The 2025 National Police Week will be observed from Sunday, May 11, through Saturday, May 17. Every year, tens of thousands of law enforcement officers from all over the country come together to remember and honor those officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice.
In addition to the memorial service, the Foundation is partnering with Light Ohio Blue to host a procession of police vehicles from departments across Summit and Portage counties. The procession is scheduled to arrive at the memorial at approximately 8:30 p.m., followed by a candlelight service.
The Cuyahoga Falls and Silver Lake Police Memorial and Honor Guard Foundation asks the public to show their support for their local law enforcement officers by displaying black and blue ribbons or flying a police memorial flag during the week. Memorial flags may be purchased from Falls Flag and Banner, with donations from each sale going to support the Foundation. With the support of city officials from Cuyahoga Falls and Silver Lake, more than 230 police memorial flags and banners will fly over city streets and other public buildings. Schools, businesses, and private residents will also be flying the flag. The Foundation believes this is one of the country's largest police memorial flag displays.
For questions or additional information, please email cfslpolicememorial@ohiofop49.org or visit www.cfslpolicememorial.org.