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MANSFIELD — With tensions around the country regarding law enforcement along the border and in the mainland, over one hundred clergy across Richland County, Ohio honored local police officers Thursday morning for their dedicated service.
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” which is this coming 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.”
Reverend Ron Puff
Pleasant Valley Baptist
“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 will be 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 have taken 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 will be providing free meals to law enforcement in uniform this coming Saturday, September 21st.
“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.
Law enforcement agencies present at the press conference included the Richland County Sheriff’s Department, the Mansfield Post of the Ohio Highway Patrol, the Mansfield Police Department, and the Ontario Police Department.
View slideshow below of clergy press conference at Mansfield Mayor’s Conference Room.
Representatives of the Ontario P.D., Richland County Sheriff’s Dept., Ohio Highway Patrol & Mansfield P.D. (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio) 
Clergy pictured with Mayor Timothy Theaker, & Director Lori Cope (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio) 
Pastor spokesmen Moe Hill, Ron Puff, & El Akuchie (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio) 
Mansfield Police Chief Keith Porch with Elder Moe Hill (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio) 
Press conference held at Mayor’s Conference Room(Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio) 
astor spokesmen Moe Hill, Ron Puff, & El Akuchie (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio) 
Press conference held at Mayor’s Conference Room(Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio) 
Press conference held at Mayor’s Conference Room(Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio)
Click on link below to view the clergy press conference in its entirety.
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The Bottom Line:
Psalms 144 says, “Blessed be the LORD, my rock, who trains my hands for war and my fingers for battle. He is my steadfast love and my fortress, my stronghold and my deliverer, my shield, in whom I take refuge.”
