LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) — Shawnee High School sophomore Ethan Rodden has completed his Eagle Scout project at the age of 16, leaving a lasting mark on the City of Lima’s Metzger and Ferguson Reservoir site.
Rodden, a member of Boy Scout Troop 777, designed and organized multiple projects at the site, including raising funds to purchase and install three benches along the Metzger walking path. The benches honor the Lima Police Department, Allen County Sheriff’s Office, and the Fraternal Order of Police.
“Had to do a lot of research. I don't know very much about concrete or any of that kind of stuff, so I did some research. I figured out the basis I need to do for pouring concrete, installing these benches,” Rodden said.
Chief Curtis Hile of the Lima Police Department praised the project. “We forget that there are a lot of great young people in our community that are doing great things. And I was really happy that he thought of us to include us in his Eagle Scout project, and I think it's going to be a great addition to the reservoir,” Hile said.
Allen County Sheriff Matt Treglia added, “We do have a lot of kids in this community who are doing a lot of good things, such as Ethan in this bench project and everything he's done for the reservoirs.”
In addition to the benches, Rodden updated several signs, painted gates, and stained hand railings as part of his project. He also enlisted help from friends and family to complete the work.
