First Responders Appreciation Night, “Heroes Honoring Heroes,” Is Huge Success

Members from all units of Joseph J. Jacubic Post 572, Parma, Ohio, along with other posts within the district and some local businesses, teamed up to show their local first responders some appreciation by taking 185 fire, police, EMTs, dispatchers, sheriffs and their spouses/guests to dinner and a night of entertainment and dancing. Originally scheduled to be held in the post hall, it was quickly determined that a bigger venue was needed, so the event was moved to the Holiday Inn in Independence, Ohio.
Commander Tony Kessler and his newly formed event and activity committee hit a grand slam with this one. This is the fourth time in the past 12 months they have put on a “first of its kind” event for Post 572. Kessler created this event in hopes that it will establish his legacy for his term as commander. “I am not into erecting statues or dedicating plaques, but I wanted something that I could pay forward that would identify with the American Legion mission of serving the community. Giving recognition and showing appreciation to our first responders was something I felt was very timely, especially today when there is so much disrespect and opposition to law enforcement,” said Kessler.
The First Responders Appreciation Night event was a huge success, quickly dubbed by the media as "Heroes Honoring Heroes." Total attendance was approximately 225 first responders and Legion members. Post 572 members, and Legion posts and units within the district purchased all the tickets for the first responders and their spouses/guests. A number of local businesses also participated by sponsoring. Tickets were $40 per person, and Legion members contributed nearly $10,000 for tickets for the first responders.
City of Parma Mayor Timothy DeGeeter presented a proclamation proclaiming May 20 First Responders Appreciation Day. Speakers included American Legion National Executive Committee Alternate and past department commander Dennis Clausing, City of Parma Police Chief Bob Miller, Parma Fire Chief Mike Lasky. Veronica Garey, Miss Greater Cleveland, and Cate Wallhead, Miss Buckeye State, served as official greeters and hostesses; both will be competing this month in Mansfield, Ohio, for the title of Miss Ohio and a step toward the Miss America crown. The Cleveland Fire Pipers participated in the opening ceremony with the American Legion Post 572 honor guard, joined by the Parma Fire and Police honor guard.
The very popular group "The Rat Pack and More" provided the entertainment and dancing music for the evening. Plans for next year’s event are already in the works.
A souvenir photo CD with 144 photos of the event is available for a $5 donation which includes postage and shipping. Send check to: American Legion Post 572, 6483 State Rd., Parma, OH 44134.