Lakewood Local 71 honors its fallen officers

On June 16, members of Lakewood Local 71 honored fallen officers in their department. The names of 12 chiefs and 13 officers were displayed on a wall at the Sheldon Wolphin Lakewood
Historical Museum.

The day started with some rain, but eventually the clouds opened up and the sun came out just in time for the event. Families, friends and other local first responders gathered to remember the fallen and hear special performances and speeches.

Sergeant Jeannette Shimonovich organized the event, a cause which is near and dear to her heart. In September 2020, her son was killed in an off-duty motorcycle crash. He was one of the 13 officers’ names who made the wall. For all of her hard work, Chief Gregory Meyer honored Shimonovich with a special award.

Thanking our men and women in blue who serve is important — but it’s even more important to thank the men and women who make the ultimate sacrifice.