Starfish Assignment

Sometimes it’s the simple things that can really make a difference. Dublin Police Officer Loni Stone reached out to us about a boy who had recently made friends with some children in his neighborhood. His teacher noticed that the other kids were riding bikes together, but since he didn’t have a bike or scooter of his own, it was difficult for him to keep up.

We partnered with Officer Stone and Deputy Chief Nick Tabernik to get him a bike he would love. We’re told he’s having a fantastic time with it and that his friends are helping him learn how to ride.

Thank you to Dublin Police, our wonderful donors, and this sweet boy’s friends for making a difference. We love teamwork.

We recently partnered with the Columbus Division of Police and Starfish Advisory Board Member Officer James Poole to help four South Side children start the school year right.

Their grandmother reached out to Officer Poole because she was concerned about the choices some of the children were making and the influences around them. She asked if he could talk with them about making good decisions and staying on a positive path.

Officer Poole did more than have a conversation. After getting to know the family and understanding what they needed, he worked with a local school to help the children transition to a new environment where they could have a fresh start.

The kids are thrilled with their new school, and thanks to our generous donors, we were able to provide uniforms, shoes, and school supplies for the family.

We are grateful to Officer Poole and our donors for helping create new opportunities for this beautiful family.

Columbus Division of Police

Our hearts are with the Rittman Police Department as they mourn the loss of Sergeant Scott Ries, who was killed in a devastating shooting yesterday.

We extend our deepest condolences to Sergeant Ries’s family, friends, fellow officers, and co-workers. Our sincere sympathy is with the family of the mother and child who were also killed, and we are praying for the injured officers from the Medina County Sheriff’s Office and Hinckley Police Department, as well as K-9 Vick from the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office.

We send love and support to all those affected by this tragedy.

As America celebrates its 250th birthday, we would like to take a moment for a celebration of another kind. Today, Columbus Division of Police Lieutenant Scott Bartholow retires after 34 years of dedicated public service.

Lieutenant Bartholow was the first officer we ever spoke to about Starfish, back when it was only an idea. From our very first meeting, he was supportive and enthusiastic. If he had not believed in us that day, Starfish likely would have ended before it began. Instead, his encouragement helped us move forward, and we have had the opportunity to touch tens of thousands of lives.

Thank you, Lieutenant Bartholow, for believing in Starfish from the very beginning. Your guidance, support, and friendship helped make our work possible, and your impact will continue long after your last day in uniform. We are grateful for all you have done for the city, for Starfish, and for the people whose lives were changed because you helped us begin. Enjoy your well-earned retirement!

Such a beautiful night at the Opening Ceremony for Special Olympics Ohio, which included officers, deputies, and troopers carrying in the Olympic flame as part of the Law Enforcement Torch Run. Smiles, hugs, and high fives were a huge part of the festivities.

Congratulations to all the athletes, coaches, families, and friends. We hope you have a wonderful weekend filled with competition, camaraderie, and memories you will always treasure. You are all amazing!

A special thank you to Marion Police Lieutenant Mark Elliott and his partner, K-9 Ranger, for joining us for the third year. Ranger was a crowd favorite once again, happily accepting all the pets his fans wanted to give him, posing handsomely for photos, and generally being the bestest boy.

Columbus Division of Police
Marion, Ohio Police Department
Columbus Department of Public Safety
Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Ohio
Special Olympics
Special Olympics Ohio

Sergeant Mel Romans and Officer Sam James recently held a special Books & Badges en español event for the Spanish-speaking students of Saint Mary Magdalene School.

The students loved spending time with the officers, listening to the story, and sharing plenty of smiles along the way. Officer James also signed books for the children, giving each student a copy to take home and keep.

Books & Badges helps create positive connections between officers and children, one story at a time. Children have the opportunity to ask questions about officers’ jobs and daily lives while emphasizing how important reading is.

Thank you to Sgt. Romans, Officer James, and Saint Mary Magdalene School for another wonderful visit!

Columbus Division of Police
Columbus Department of Public Safety
Saint Mary Magdalene School-Columbus

It is with heavy hearts that we say farewell to our friend, Retired Marion K-9 Six.

Six was a loving friend, a dedicated partner, and a cherished member of the community. He helped make Books & Badges readings even more special by “signing” books for the children. He proudly worked alongside his beloved partner, Lt. Mark Elliott, and loved his family and friends with his whole heart.

We will miss you, Six. Thank you for being such a bright light in the world.

Marion, Ohio Police Department
Marion Six

During National Police Week, we pause to honor the officers who made the ultimate sacrifice, remember the families who carry that loss, and thank the officers who continue to serve each day.

We are grateful for law enforcement officers everywhere. Thank you for meeting community needs, building trust, and protecting us. ❤️ 💙

Yesterday, a Columbus Division of Police officer was injured in the line of duty. We pray for his full recovery and are thinking of his family, fellow officers, and friends during this very difficult time.

We are deeply grateful for his service, courage, and commitment to protecting others. Officers face incredible risks in their work, and those risks can become real in an instant. To all who wear the badge: thank you for your sacrifices. You are loved and appreciated.