Starfish Assignment

Such a beautiful night at the Opening Ceremony for Special Olympics Ohio, which included officers, deputies, and troopers carrying in the Olympic flame as part of the Law Enforcement Torch Run. Smiles, hugs, and high fives were a huge part of the festivities.

Congratulations to all the athletes, coaches, families, and friends. We hope you have a wonderful weekend filled with competition, camaraderie, and memories you will always treasure. You are all amazing!

A special thank you to Marion Police Lieutenant Mark Elliott and his partner, K-9 Ranger, for joining us for the third year. Ranger was a crowd favorite once again, happily accepting all the pets his fans wanted to give him, posing handsomely for photos, and generally being the bestest boy.

Columbus Division of Police
Marion, Ohio Police Department
Columbus Department of Public Safety
Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Ohio
Special Olympics
Special Olympics Ohio

Sergeant Mel Romans and Officer Sam James recently held a special Books & Badges en español event for the Spanish-speaking students of Saint Mary Magdalene School.

The students loved spending time with the officers, listening to the story, and sharing plenty of smiles along the way. Officer James also signed books for the children, giving each student a copy to take home and keep.

Books & Badges helps create positive connections between officers and children, one story at a time. Children have the opportunity to ask questions about officers’ jobs and daily lives while emphasizing how important reading is.

Thank you to Sgt. Romans, Officer James, and Saint Mary Magdalene School for another wonderful visit!

Columbus Division of Police
Columbus Department of Public Safety
Saint Mary Magdalene School-Columbus

It is with heavy hearts that we say farewell to our friend, Retired Marion K-9 Six.

Six was a loving friend, a dedicated partner, and a cherished member of the community. He helped make Books & Badges readings even more special by “signing” books for the children. He proudly worked alongside his beloved partner, Lt. Mark Elliott, and loved his family and friends with his whole heart.

We will miss you, Six. Thank you for being such a bright light in the world.

Marion, Ohio Police Department
Marion Six

During National Police Week, we pause to honor the officers who made the ultimate sacrifice, remember the families who carry that loss, and thank the officers who continue to serve each day.

We are grateful for law enforcement officers everywhere. Thank you for meeting community needs, building trust, and protecting us. ❤️ 💙

Yesterday, a Columbus Division of Police officer was injured in the line of duty. We pray for his full recovery and are thinking of his family, fellow officers, and friends during this very difficult time.

We are deeply grateful for his service, courage, and commitment to protecting others. Officers face incredible risks in their work, and those risks can become real in an instant. To all who wear the badge: thank you for your sacrifices. You are loved and appreciated.

For decades, Mrs. Marylou Posey has made Easter brighter for children across central Ohio, and this year that extraordinary tradition continued in a big way.

A total of 712 Easter baskets were donated throughout Central Ohio, including baskets shared with the Columbus Division of Police and Columbus Recreation and Parks Department. These baskets were donated with love by Mr. and Mrs. Posey, their family and friends, and their church family at Worthington Presbyterian Church.

What began years ago as a simple act of kindness has now brought joy to thousands of children. That is a remarkable legacy, and we are deeply grateful to everyone who continues to give their time, love, and energy to make it possible.

Thank you to the Posey family and to Worthington Presbyterian Church for continuing a tradition that has made Easter sweeter for so many children over so many years.

Columbus Division of Police
Columbus Recreation and Parks Department
Worthington Presbyterian Church

Recently, we teamed up with the Dublin Police and Meijer to help a young girl whose bicycle had been damaged beyond repair. Her hardworking single mom was doing everything she could, but replacing the bike just wasn’t possible right now.

Thanks to Starfish donors, we were able to step in and pick out a beautiful new bike along with a few accessories to help her ride safely.

Now she has a way to get to school, visit friends, and enjoy the freedom a bike brings just as the weather starts turning nice again.

We’re grateful to the officers who connected us with this family, to Meijer for helping make the day special, and to the donors who help us make moments like this possible.

City of Dublin, Ohio - Government

On this Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, we pause to say thank you. Thank you for your service, your commitment, and the steady presence you provide every day. You are valued and loved, always.

Recently, Columbus Police Officer Colby Scott met a woman who had fallen on hard times. She was sleeping outside and needed immediate help with basic necessities to stay safe and warm. He also connected her with resources and agencies that could assist with longer-term support.

Thanks to the generosity of our donors, Officer Scott was able to step in right away and provide what she needed in that moment. We are grateful to him and to everyone who makes it possible for us to respond when someone needs help most.

Columbus Division of Police
Columbus Department of Public Safety