The Greater Cleveland Peace Officers Memorial is a sacred place for many as it has 193 officer names engraved, all of which are being recognized during National Police Week.
Joe Mannion, a retired police officer, is working throughout the week to organize events and welcome families traveling to Cleveland for them.
Mannion is the president of The Greater Cleveland Peace Officers Memorial Society, an organization that supports survivors of officers who have died in the line of duty.
He said it’s work motivated by each of the engraved names.
“The day I became president was Sept. 14,” Mannion said. “The next day, a guy that I’ve worked with my whole career, trooper Kenny Velez, was killed on Sept. 15, 2016.”
Mannion said thousands will be in the area to take part in events, including a hero’s welcome, a parade and a memorial service. All the events are to honor officers, including officer Shane Bartek, who was added to the memorial list this year.
Mannion said his mission for this week, and always, is to be a support for families and remember his fallen friends.
“I keep going to make sure that he’s not forgotten and the rest of the men and women on our memorial aren’t forgotten,” he said. “It just keeps you going.”
Events will be held throughout the week, including a parade in downtown Cleveland that will require road closures.
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