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Message of unity defines community
(by Joseph Koziol Jr. - March 14, 2012)
Message of unity defines community
By JOSEPH KOZIOL JR.
Chardon city officials called for unity in the wake of the Feb. 27 shootings at Chardon High School.
"Beginning today, let us resolve to continue supporting and encouraging each other now and in the days to come," Mayor Philip King said in his comments before the start of last week's City Council meeting.
"Mindful of the gift that is each new day, as well as the pain and losses we have endured, we now move forward," he said. Quoting Chardon High School Principal Andy Fetchik, Mr. King said, "The world will watch how we heal, and I am certain that we will emerge as a stronger and healthier Chardon as a result of the recovery process."
That unity was shown by the school's students who organized and led a march through the city, he said.
"We are inspired by the courage of our students who have displayed remarkable character and leadership beyond their age," Mr. King said. "Only a few short years ago, these same students were the children who lined the sidewalks of Chardon Square with decorated bicycles to join in the annual Fourth of July parade. Last week, having endured unthinkable circumstances, again they lined the sidewalks but this time to march back to school, arm in arm, in solidarity, refusing to be defeated. One heartbeat."
While it becomes a little easier to speak of the tragedy over time, Chardon may never be the same, Mr. King said.
"We long for a return to the days when the name Chardon was synonymous with a bucolic small town, best known for snow and maple syrup," he said. "Our innocence has been shaken. But, out of tragedy, we have demonstrated our collective unity not only to the nation but to the world.
"The uniqueness of Chardon is not measured by inches of snowfall but by the strength and resilience of our community."
He said the tragedy has left an indelible mark on the community.
"Our Chardon family has lost three young members, and their families have been painfully altered," Mr. King said. "Two other students have been injured, and we pray for their full recovery. We are deeply saddened for these students and families. On behalf of Chardon City Council, city administrators and the entire Chardon community, we offer our heartfelt condolences."
City Manager Randal Sharpe spoke of city workers and outside emergency responders who answered the call on that fateful day. "I am honored and pleased to be part of the team of people who make up the backbone of the city of Chardon -- its public servants," he said.
"As the dramatic events of Feb. 27 unfolded, our public servants were quick to respond to the crisis. Our local dispatchers fielded emergency calls from the high school but remained composed and were able to successfully dispatch our police department and call for support. We are grateful for the textbook work of our police department and indebted for the support of the Geauga County Sheriff's Department, the Ohio Highway Patrol, Chardon fire and EMS and at least 28 other agencies that answered the call for assistance."
Mr. Sharpe said the city's public service department also was called on that day. "They were instrumental in setting barricades and assisting to maintain order under stressful circumstances," he said.
"We, the city, have put forth the initial effort to start the healing process and encourage people to ask for and receive the help they need," he said. "We need to set the example and continue this effort in the days and months to come."
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