GREENVILLE – The Annual Back the Blue Memorial Ceremony honored Our Fallen Officers from 2023 at the Darke County Fairgrounds Coliseum with record attendance.
“We had a very good attendance this year,” said Greg Zechar, Back the Blue Vice President. “This was the largest turnout we have had in all the years we’ve held the ceremony.”
Guest speakers included Police Officer Eric Ney of Clearcreek Township, OH Police Department, Paige Barton, Warren County Communications Dispatcher, Warren County, OH, and Police Officer Ami Miller, Richmond, Police Department, Richmond, IN.
“This ceremony is for everyone,” Zechar stated. “We had many coming from Richmond, we had a lot of participation from other departments throughout the United States coming here today.”
Featured performers included Massachusetts’ Shanna Jackman, an award-winning singer/songwriter and recording artist. Her original music is described as anthems to get through life. Her hit “Answer the Call” has received over five million views on YouTube alone and is translated into many languages for people around the world.
Will Dempsey comes from South Louisiana and has a blend of his two biggest musical influences. His lyrics have captured the hearts of millions of followers across the internet and social media. He gained widespread recognition by being featured on shows like ‘Today With Hoda and Henna’ and ‘America’s Got Talent.’
“The ceremony went perfectly, and the performers were pleased with how it was run,” Zechar noted. “We can’t do anything without our sponsors.”
Major Sponsors: Zechar-Bailey Funeral Homes, MM Defense, Spirit Emergency Medical Service, and Shaun Hayes of Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Professional Realty.
Captain Sponsor: St. Clair Manor
Lieutenant Sponsor: Grilliot Alignment Service and Darke County Fairgrounds
Sergeant Sponsor: Dave Knapp Ford, Metzner Door & Window, Edwin F. Nickol Monuments, and MJS Plastics
Patrolman Sponsor: Jafe Decorating, Fullenkamps Frenchtown Trailer Sales, Stateline Power Corp, Fitzwater Tree Service, Drew Automotive, Bruns Animal Clinic, A.L. Smith Trucking, Dick Lavy Trucking, Barry Family Dentistry, Sidney Spouting Service, Law Office of Rudnick, Hosek & Pendl, American Title Resources, Mitterman Towing, Flower Patch, and Ohio Signs.
“This is an annual event,” Zechar concluded. “We will continue to have this Back the Blue Memorial Ceremony.”
