The night of December 3, 2009 was a historic night in many respects. A celebration was held dedicating the night to the milestone that marked 50 years of service to the public by the American Police Hall of Fame & Museum. It was also a night that will be the first of many that displayed the dedication of those who work for and the members of both the Original Facebook Cause “A Tribute To Those Who Wear The Shield” and “Families of the Shield”. As important as those two facets of the celebration were, there was an honor that was given to our very own John Pasko, and at the same time given by him; a moment in time that will live in his memory forever, as it will in ours.
For those who do not know, John served on the local DEA CLET (Clandestine Laboratory Enforcement Team) for many years and was one of the original five in Brevard County, Florida who was DEA certified. At that time, Brevard County was rated among the highest in the state for production of Methamphetamine). Soon after being trained in Quantico, Virginia at the FBI/DEA Academy for the detection and investigation of the drug, Brevard County formulated their team and they became the #1 state for the detection and dismantling of these dangerous labs and operations. There were many accolades received during those operations for the continuing efforts of the Melbourne Police Department for a job well done and its strong bond with the community it is dedicated to serve.
On the night of this momentous celebration, John Pasko donated his uniform from those days to the American Police Hall of Fame & Museum where it will remain on permanent display as an example of those who devote their lives to the service of others as he has done.
The uniform and the accompanying photograph represent only a portion of his life of service, but are at the heart of what it means to be a peace officer and devote your life to serving those you swore to protect. It is a wonderful honor to have that photograph and uniform on permanent display for all to see and we are very proud of him. I’m quite sure that he would tell you that while being extremely moved, honored, and proud, he was also very humbled by it…because those of us who know John know that he’s about giving…not about recognition. We’re very proud of you, John. Many congratulations on this honor, and many thanks for donating the icon that represents a part of every officer.
There were many presentations during the night. Just to mention a few of those, members of the American Astronaut Hall of Fame were on hand to present an autographed replica shuttle piece. The item was signed by 9 different astronauts from various missions. A gift was also presented by one of the original founders of the Titusville location. The Walt Disney Company (Disney Radio) representative was there to honor the milestone as well.
And then there were two gifts that were very important to those of us with “The Shield” foundations. The first was this work of art. The caisson picture was first noticed in the Florida Memorial Gardens funeral home by John while he was attending the service of a friend.
He stated that the elegance of the picture drew his attention. After talking to the director of services, they put him in contact with the original artist, Michele Haro.
Ms. Haro is a renowned local artist, videographer, and photojournalist. After speaking with John, she gave authorization to have the item reproduced and donated her work. The photographic digital image was reproduced onto a piece of stretched canvas (24x36) and signed by Ms. Haro herself. It was then placed into a museum quality frame and during the event it was presented to the Hall of Fame for permanent display. Ms. Haro was on hand at the presentation, signifying the initiation of future collaborative efforts between all.
The donation of this piece was on the behalf of “A Tribute To Those Who Wear The Shield”, “Families of the Shield”, Artist – Michele Haro, Florida Memorial Garden (Dignity), Southern Photo, Steve Casanova Esq., and Eddies Sunrise Diner. The team effort that went into making the piece available for display is clearly evident.
The meaning of the caisson is not only the ride to the final call of a fellow officer, but the birthing of a new call for duty, on a much higher ground. May they always rest in peace.
As closure of the night drew near, our foundation (The Shield), in conjunction with the Wal-Mart Corporation presented a $1,000.00 check to the American Federation of Police & Concerned Citizens. The message was so well received, our foundations and agency, received a standing ovation. Chief Jack Rinchich (Chief of Police Charleston, WV) and President of the National Association of Chiefs of Police remarked, “Job well done. Great presentation and a hallmark of community oriented policing”. Deputy Dennis Wise, President of the American Federation of police & Concerned Citizens stated, “Outstanding, well organized and executed.” And, Barry Shepherd, Executive Director of the American Police Hall of Fame & Museum said, “Class act” and displayed overwhelming appreciation.
These are just some of the many great things to come from our efforts, where the fruits of our labor are palatable for many, not just a few. Just as these efforts are not the efforts of just a few. None of these things would be possible without each of you.
“The Shield” began as a dream. It is not about recognition or accolades; it never was. It’s about making a difference; a difference in lives, in hearts, and in minds. It’s about the smile on a child’s face when they receive that gift they might not have otherwise received and the eyes of that man or woman who holds in their hand a plate filled with food that was given to them in love. It’s about finding a way to tell the men and women who protect us all, putting their lives on the line without fail and without question, every day that we know they’re out there and we really do appreciate them, care for them, and pray for them. And it’s about reaching out to what is often an apathetic public and teaching them that those men and women are there because we need them and they are doing jobs that most of us could never hope to do ourselves…but that behind that shield is a heart; one that is not made of steel. We want to show them that what the law enforcement community does is not just what they see on the news in a two minute clip, but so much more. We can only do that with the help of a team that is dedicated to make all of these things happen. Every member of “The Shield”, each one of you, is a part of what makes this work. It is with your help that these things can and will be accomplished. We are a TEAM…Together Everyone Accomplishes More. Each of you is a part of that team and together we WILL accomplish even more. On behalf of the staff of “A Tribute to Those Who Wear the Shield” and the staff of “Families of the Shield”…we thank you.
