By JAMES MITCHELL
Sunday Times Newspapers
TAYLOR — Inch by inch, brick by brick the Taylor Police Department’s planned Wall of Honor moves closer to reality. Police Cmdr. Mary Sclabassi said that the deadline for the fundraising campaign launched last summer is extended until June 30 for those interested in purchasing memorial bricks.
The Wall of Honor will be installed behind the current police statue in front of the department offices in the municipal complex. The large granite wall will list the names of Cpl. Matthew Edwards and Auxiliary Lt. Dan Kromer, who were killed less than two months apart in 2010: Kromer was struck by a vehicle while helping a motorist on I-94; Edwards was fatally shot while responding to a domestic violence call.
Sclabassi said the planned dedication ceremony is scheduled for July 23, marking the two-year anniversary of Edwards’ death.
“The community has been incredibly generous so far,” Sclabassi said. “But more is still needed in order to make this tribute a reality.”
Sclabassi said that the project remains privately funded, and no tax dollars will be used for construction and installation of the wall. Donors wishing to help may make monetary contributions, participate in the “buy a brick” program in which custom bricks bearing the donor’s name will join the pavement surrounding the statue, and private donors of more than $1,000 will be receive “Blue Knight” consideration on a plaque.
Those interested in donating or purchasing a brick should contact Sclabassi at 734-374-1531 or at [email protected]