LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) — The schoolhouse was rocking Friday as students from across the Lima City School District gathered at Heritage Elementary School to show their appreciation for local law enforcement.
As part of a district wide celebration ahead of National Police Week, which runs May 11–17, students presented handmade cards, banners, and cookies to officers from the Lima Police Department, Shawnee Police Department, Lima Park Rangers, and other local agencies during a spirited assembly.
The event also featured a performance by the Heritage Harmonics choir, a student dance party, and a “police tunnel” send-off as students exited the building.
Each school contributed gifts and messages of gratitude before students personally delivered them to officers, including Lima Police Chief James Baker. The event also featured a performance by the Heritage Harmonics choir, a student dance party, and a “police tunnel” send-off as students exited the building. Chief Baker said events like these help build lasting relationships between youth and law enforcement.
“Yeah, absolutely,” Baker said. “You know that idea of the children being our future is absolutely the truth. So we want to have good, positive memories. We want to start off really well and have good experiences with them. And you know, we love the kids.”
Heritage Elementary Principal Scott Spriggs said the event is one students eagerly anticipate each year.
“The kids really look forward to it,” Spriggs said. “We make cards for the SROs in the building, they interact with the local PD, and just see that we appreciate everything that they do every day to protect us and keep us safe here at school and in the community.”
The program served as both a show of thanks and a recognition of the upcoming National Police Week, honoring law enforcement officers across the country.
