The area clergymen held a press conference from Mansfield Mayor Timothy Theaker’s ninth floor conference room reading from a joint statement drafted by the Richland Community Prayer Network (RCPN) and endorsed by the pastors. “As representatives of the local faith community, we would like to express our gratitude for our police officers by promoting “Thank a Police Officer Day”… [was held Saturday, September 21st].” said Reverend El Akuchie, RCPN Coordinator and Pastor of Godsfield House of Prayer. “This statement is in the spirit of Hebrews 10:24 which states: “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.”

Leading the press conference were Akuchie, Reverend Ron Puff of Pleasant Valley Baptist and Reverend Moe Hill of Grace Evangelical Free Church. Both of the pastors who read the clergy joint statement have law enforcement backgrounds. Hill retired from the Highway Patrol three years ago and Puff assists the Mansfield Police Department as auxiliary and helps with the Explorer program. “The law enforcement plays a valuable role in our society. Our brave men and women keep vigilant watch at all hours and risk their lives on behalf of the safety of others,” said Reverend Puff.

“There is no question that as moral decay increases in our society, the workload of our police personnel and the danger associated with their job duties has intensified exponentially. As representatives of the faith community, we regret in recent times the contempt police officers have received nationwide for doing their jobs.”

Elder Hill read a passage from the Bible saying, “We beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the LORD, and admonish you; And to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. And be at peace among yourselves.”

The joint statement [was] sent to the Police Chiefs of Mansfield, Shelby, Ontario, Lexington, Plymouth, Bellville, Butler, the Sheriff of Richland County, the Commander of the Mansfield Post of the Ohio Highway Patrol, the Attorney General of Ohio, and the Attorney General of the United States.

Several local restaurants [took] the clergy’s advice to heart. The Reindeer Grill located at 10 South Park Street in Mansfield, and V & M Restaurant which has two locations at 1120 Lexington Avenue in Mansfield and 104 Main Street in Bellville [provided] free meals to law enforcement in uniform…

“Echoing another pastor’s sentiments, it is good to let the law enforcement know that we support them and are behind them rather than they behind us,” joked Akuchie tongue in cheek.

(Excerpt from Breaking Christian News.)