Today we’re sharing a message from our CAC Chair B.J. White on the “Clintonville Area First Responders Appreciation Day”:
Please join me this day, April 12th, 2021 as it signifies the 5th anniversary of fallen Columbus Police SWAT Officer, Stephen M. Smith. It was 5 years ago today when an armed man barricaded inside a Clintonville apartment located near California Ave and N High St fired upon Columbus SWAT team members. They were working to take the man into custody after he had set his estranged wife’s house on fire. The standoff lasted all night, with the suspect firing off shots. A round struck 54-year-old Officer Steven Smith, who was in the open turret of an armored vehicle providing cover for his fellow SWAT team members.
Officer Smith responded to the call of duty in the spirit of public safety and selflessly laid down his life for the protection of our community. The Clintonville Area Commission will honor his service and other first responders with the development of a Clintonville first responders memorial tree grove to be located at Como Park. Three years ago, this initiative was born into discussion in the CAC’s Planning & Development Committee under the leadership of Andrew Overbeck at the prompting of then CAC Chair Libby Wetherholt. I recall being part of that discussion attending those meetings early in my role as an Area Commissioner. Answering the question, “How do we create an appropriate memorial in a way that uniquely says ‘Clintonville thanks first responders for their service.’ ” A living memorial utilizing trees in a public park seemed appropriate. We left those discussions whereas a tree grove would be planted at Como Park. Today, I call upon each and every one of you to renew the commitment to bring this first responders memorial tree grove into fruition. After consulting Chair Overbeck, he agreed that the work of his committee has laid the foundation making it possible for the CAC to conclude this work with the city’s Parks & Recreation with a little more effort. I have asked District 7 Area Commissioner Mike Weinman to work in tandem with me to carry this initiative forward. I call upon each of you to contribute in every way possible to continue the work of the CAC P&D Committee’s groundwork for the first responders memorial tree grove at Como Park.
Steven M. Smith was not only an honorable police officer, he was a husband to wife Lisa of 32 years and father of two, Brittany and Jesse. Today, his son Jesse serves with the CPD wearing his father’s badge number. While we can only honor and give thanks, the time has come. The time is now.
Give pause for remembrance and give back in the effort it will take to bring this initiative to fruition.
CAC Resolution for the Clintonville Area First Responders Appreciation Day
PDF Copy: CAC 1st Responders Resolution
