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MANSFIELD — An impressive showing of law enforcement and first responders attended a local church’s service on Sunday honoring unsung heroes.
Reverend Robert Kurtz of Mansfield Baptist Temple had his congregation recognize the dedicated service of first responders, law enforcement, and elected officials in a “Local Heroes Celebration Service.” The church has held the celebration service for several years.
“I want to thank Pastor Kurtz and his congregation for letting me participate in the service today,” said Mansfield Mayor Timothy Theaker. “Our safety forces do so much for our community and it is wonderful to see them appreciated and recognized for their work. It is well deserved.”
Theaker was one of several elected officials on hand to give awards to those in the safety forces.
Letters of commendation were given by Senate President Larry Obhof and State Representative Mark Romanchuk to Sheriff Steve Sheldon, Police Captain Douglas Noblet Jr., Madison Township Fire Chief Ron Luttrell, and Ohio Highway Patrol Mansfield Post Lieutenant Amy Ivy.
During his sermon, Reverend Kurtz mentioned that he has rode along with local law enforcement to get a better perspective of the experiences a police officer routinely faces.
“I have not been in your shoes. I only have a little bit of an understanding of how you (first responders) have to assist people in your jobs. In some cases you have to resuscitate people and in other situations you see violence. However, there is one person I do know who has seen it all and has been with you in every situation and that is Jesus Christ, the Son of the Living GOD. He is your rescue.”
“I have not been in your shoes. I only have a little bit of an understanding of how you (first responders) have to assist people in your jobs. In some cases you have to resuscitate people and in other situations you see violence. However, there is one person I do know who has seen it all and has been with you in every situation and that is Jesus Christ, the Son of the Living GOD. He is your rescue.”
Reverend Robert Kurtz
Mansfield Baptist Temple
Kurtz went on to share how last year he went skydiving with his son.
“Dropping at 120 miles per hour out of a plane, I had forgotten to pull my rip chord at the assigned altitude to trigger my parachute. I later found out that one of my guides intervened and pulled the cord for me and my parachute ejected. It goes to show we all need rescued in life and Christ is that rescue.”
Earlier in the service, one State Highway Patrol officer shared a testimony about the inmate escape from last year and how GOD intervened in the event. He regularly attends Mansfield Baptist Temple.
Solo renditions of “Rescue” and “Wanted“ were sung by church members Grace Custer and Pastor Eric Humble.
Other elected officials attending the service included County Commissioners: Marilyn John, Tony Vero, and Darrell Banks, and County Common Pleas Judges Brent Robinson and Phil Naumoff.
Juvenile Court Judge Steve McKinley who gave the closing dedication prayer commented, “It was really a special time today to be with those who are dedicated to the work of rescuing, protecting, and governing. I am thankful for Pastor Kurtz and his congregation for providing a tangible way by which to recognize these heroes. We truly have a lot to be thankful for in this community.”
When the body of Messiah is known in the gates of the city transformation happens. May the light form the city set on a hill, Godsfield, grow brighter and brighter until this state and nation returns to her calling and Biblical roots!