Operation Blue Sky Was A Success

MARIETTA, OH — Operation Blue Sky was a success. Yesterday, law enforcement agencies from around the Mid-Ohio Valley came out in force to honor the lives of officers killed in the line of duty. It was a show of support for National Peace Officers Memorial Day. Cop cars from around the area drove a parade route all through Washington and Wood Counties.

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More than 50 police and sheriff’s cruisers from the area gathered at the old Marietta Kmart parking lot for the procession. Marietta Mayor Josh Schlicher said the city was glad to host the meeting place for folks coming out to this event. “Ohio, West Virginia, law enforcement, their families, community members, everybody.” He said while this is only the second year they’ve done this, they plan on doing it every year. “Washington County kind of put it together last year and everyone joined in.” Schlicher rode shotgun in one of the new Marietta Police cruisers.

Marietta Police Officer Robert Ritchie, a recent public safety award winner, came in on his day off to drive one of the lead cars in the procession. He said he was glad to be able to show his support this year. “I wasn’t able to come out last year, I was busy working the street.” He said it wasn’t lost on him what an honor this is. “It’s honoring all the fallen men and women in law enforcement all over the nation.”

Some claim that public support for the police isn’t as high as it used to be, and it might not be in some places, but that wasn’t evident in our community based on last night’s turnout. Dozens of community members came out to the parking lot, families sat in folding chairs in their front yard waiting to show support for police as they drove by. The flag company on Front Street, American Flags and Poles brought out a massive “blue line” flag that the police officers drove under to kick off the procession.

Sylvie Caparell is one of the owners of American Flags and Poles. She said the least they could do was put up the blue line flag. “We’re thankful for all the service they do for our community.” The flag is 10 X 15 feet. Caparelle and her family brought out two 25 foot telescoping poles to raise the flag. “We’re excited and glad and willing and always to honor law enforcement when we’re able.” She said folks should be showing support not just for police, but all first responders. “Correctional officers, dispatchers, military, EMS, nurses.”

Chief Deputy of the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, Mark Warden, said folks like to come out to show their support, but he said this isn’t just about the public supporting them. “It’s our way of giving back and also showing appreciation.” Last year there were a lot of people who stood out in the cold rain to show support for the boys in blue. “I’ll tell you right now it actually brought tears to my eyes. It was cold, rainy. There were little kids out there holding signs, support the police.”

Just before the officers took off, Truman Noe, a chaplain for the Washington County Sheriff’s Department said a prayer. Officers from Belpre, Vienna, Williamstown, Marietta, Parkersburg, Wood County, and Washington County stood in a giant circle, took off their hats, and lowered their heads. The prayer honored all those lost in the line of duty, and it also honored the creator. “It’s what the Lord laid on my heart to say.”

Noe said all these officers coming together was a beautiful thing that spoke to unity. “They’re all part of a brotherhood, a sisterhood. That they share a common cause, and that’s to serve and protect. They’re there to do their job. That’s why they put the uniform on every day.” Noe wanted to remind folks that local officers took an oath, and are regularly in harm's way. “In today’s climate that’s uncertainty. That oath is not only to uphold the law of each state, but it’s an oath of intrinsic value, of doing what’s right.”

Mollie Haught is also a chaplain. “These men and women are so unappreciated today. We do everything we can to support them.” She said the prayer was one of support. “And for their protection, and for everything they do for us.” She said it’s a sacrifice every day that they come out.

The 50+ cruisers drove from Marietta to Belpre, to Parkersburg, to Vienna, to Williamstown with people honking and cheering them all along their way.

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