Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Last call for a good cop


November 29, 2011
By JO ANN BOBBY-GILBERT - Staff Writer , Morning Journal News
EAST LIVERPOOL - From disabled vehicles and someone setting another person's belongings on fire, Monday was a typical day at the city police department as calls go.
Then, as night fell, a final call: "949-41." No answer from Unit #41, Chief Mike McVay.
Again, "949-41." No answer.
A third time, "949-41," and, finally, the answer from Patrolman Moose Ramsey: "Unit 41 is on special assignment."
"We love you, and miss you. Please watch over us," dispatcher Deb Fickes responded as nearly 200 officers listened to the last call for East Liverpool's long-time chief of police.
McVay, 62, died in the emergency room at East Liverpool City Hospital Saturday morning after a sudden illness, leaving his mother, Jackie; wife, Connie; daughters, Lauren and Hanna; and his fellow police officers to carry on.
During a Fraternal Order of Police ceremony last night at Dawson Funeral Home, it was apparent also left behind was a law enforcement community that admired and respected the veteran officer.
Officers from at least six counties and 24 departments, including state and county investigative units, paid their last respects to McVay, who served as East Liverpool's chief since 1994, longer than any other except Hugh McDermott.
Among the officers at the funeral home were former city Chief Milt Fowler and several retired city police officers as well as chiefs from many surrounding departments.
Following the recitation of the 23rd Psalm by Capt. Terry Faulkner, a memorial blanket was presented to Mrs. McVay by Patrolman Fred Flati on behalf of FOP Lodge 29 which represents city police officers.
His lifelong friend, Capt. Norm Curtis, who was appointed acting chief upon the chief's death, received visitors alongside family members surrounded by numerous memorial tributes from the community and those who worked with McVay daily.
"Our beloved chief; we will miss you dearly," declared a floral tribute from city officials, many of whom attended the ceremony, including Mayor Jim Swoger.
As the officers stopped at McVay's side to bid their last farewell, they offered up white carnations and salutes to their colleague, many obviously struggling with their emotions.
Afterward, as police officers often do in stressful situations, they talked and laughed with each other outside and, later, at the ELPD, shared stories about the chief.
Today, after funeral services at 11 a.m., McVay will be escorted to his final resting place in Riverview Cemetery by his fellow officers.
City Hall will be closed today in honor of the fallen chief, but in the police department, it will be a typical day, as calls go.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Chief McVay was a decent man and a conscience police officer. Having worked with him on a number of cases, his knowledge, attitude and dogged determination will be sadly missed.