Optimist Club of Jasper and Fraternal Order of Police Candlelight Memorial Service and Dinner
May 15, 2024- Press release
120+ people attended The Optimist Club of Jasper and the Fraternal Order of Police annual dinner and candlelight vigil honoring local law enforcement officers as well as those who have died in the line of duty on Wed., May 15, 2024, at the Habig Center in Jasper. Listed among Optimist International’s five tenants is the directive to inspire respect for the law. The Jasper club’s dinner and vigil, which is planned and organized with the Fraternal Order of Police, fulfills that tenant in many ways. “This is about bringing all of our law enforcement together to let them know we appreciate them and that we appreciate what they do and the sacrifices they and their families make on a daily basis,” said Audra Schue, the Optimist chairperson of the event, about the dinner. “It is important to recognize those who help us on a daily basis,” Schue said.
Optimist member Gene Kuntz served as MC for the evening. Karlie Goller, 2023-24 President of the Club welcomed everyone and recognized the group of 24 Optimist members who were in attendance to show their support. Greg Kuhn, Indiana South District Optimist International Governor from Indianapolis and President of the ISP Youth Services thanked everyone for their service and reminded all of the ISP and Optimist sponsored Youth Camps, encouraging support of youth to attend. Indiana South District Optimist Zone 6 Lt. Governor Melissa Eckert provided thanks and the invocation prior to the delicious dinner from Oink Smoke House and Carodella’s Catering was served to the law enforcement personnel and their guests.
Detective Sergeant Greg Brescher of the Jasper Police Department was awarded The Optimist Club of Jasper Outstanding Law Enforcement Award for 2024 (see more information and details attached). His wife April Brescher accepted for him as he was not able to attend the dinner, due to a previously scheduled trip. Indiana Conservation Officer Tony Mann announced the winner of the FOP Lodge 138 Ham Matheis Award Patrol Sergeant Deputy Clint Gogel. He has been employed with the Sheriff’s Office for 14 years, starting with the Sheriff’s Office working as a Jail Officer for 3 years and has been a Deputy for the last 11.
Deputy Gogel has served this office and the community in many forms; Emergency Response Team, Sniper, Field Training Officer and K9 Handler, as well a First Responder/EMT and Fireman for Ireland Fire Dept.
The featured speaker for the evening was Mike Kellems, retired Captain Ambassador, NLEOMF who spoke about his many years of experience and gratitude for law enforcement who have lost their lives during their service. Kellams, a former La Porte County police officer has been deeply moved by so many lives lot and it has prompted him to join the Cops Cycling for Survivors annual Indiana Bike Ride who’s core mission is to raise awareness of fallen law enforcement officers who are killed in the line of duty and their survivors. Funds generated are utilized to perpetuate the memories of the officers and support their survivors left behind. Kellems drives the box truck that accompanies them along the route. The truck has pictures of those officers who died in the line of duty the past year along with the signatures of well wishers and the names of other fallen officers going back 100 years.
Kellems had a great message that tied strongly to the conclusion of the evening with the candlelight ceremony and roll call of all officers who have lost their lives in the local area since the beginning of the record keeping. Retired IN Conservation Officer Tom Jahn provided opening remarks and the closing prayer. John Smith played “Amazing Grace” on his bagpipes as candles were lit by all individuals present and Barbara Jahn sang “They Will Be Remembered”. Due to rain, the ceremony was held inside this year.
The evening concluded with a drawing of attendance prizes by Audra Schue from the Optimists.
