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Carl Whippo monument dedicated |
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Monday, 08 September 2008 |
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Photo by Brent Addleman Members of the Carl Whippo family stand in front of the monument that honors the fallen Johnsonburg police officer. In a touching ceremony, friends, family and fellow officers paid homage to Whippo, who was killed in the line of duty in January 1984.
By Brent Addleman
Record Editor
JOHNSONBURG – In a touching ceremony Saturday morning at the Johnsonburg American Legion, family, friends and fellow police officers gathered to remember former Johnsonburg police officer Carl Whippo, who was shot and killed while on duty in 1984.
The nearly hour-long ceremony ran the gamut of emotions ranging from fellow officers mourning the loss of one of their own and family members remembering a loved one to the the relief and excitement of seeing the monument on the American Legion lawn cascaded by green grass, trees and the backdrop of downtown.
Johnsonburg mayor David Zilkofski opened the ceremony by welcoming the crowd that sought refuge under canopies lining Market Street, then turned the microphone over to Johnsonburg police chief Bryan Parana.
Parana gave a heartfelt speech and even had to pause on occasion to hold back tears. Carl's son, Terry Whippo, remembered his beloved father and told the crowd that gathered under a slate gray sky of how his father loved his family, his job and the community as fellow police officers from around the region stood at attention recognizing a man that gave the ultimate sacrifice.
Parana heeded the heavy sentiment surrounding the ceremony that culminated with feelings of excitement in regards to seeing the finished monument and the crowd of people showing their appreciation.
"Well, it's kinda tough," Parana said. "It's kinda sad. A few times (while) I was speaking I kinda got choked up. It's the line of duty. We all strive to get home safe at night. Sometimes we may not. That's a reality. It's emotional. You have people that have been in the line of service for years. Former chief of police George King, at the time of Carl's death was chief. Kenny Launer was on-site at the time of the incident. It's emotional. It's emotional for them.
"I'm proud. It's exhiliariting because I know that now we have something to see for all our hard work and efforts. I'm proud."
For Terry Whippo, seeing the monument in place and the response from the community only added to the sentimental feelings.
"They are remembering dad, but we remember dad every day," Terry said. "To have the community come out and erect a monument of this nature in memory of dad is just phenomenal."
For Donna Cornelius, who is Carl's niece, the dedication of the monument was the fruits of a labor of love. Cornelius and her late husband John, along with Parana, organized the entire fundraising process.
"Well, I'll tell you this is something that my husband and Bryan (Parana) started together," Cornelius said. "John passed away July 8, and he never got to see the finish of it. I'm sure he was here today. It's kind of a sweet sorrow thing for me because it was a long road to haul."
Cornelius stressed the fact the monument isn't just for Carl Whippo.
"It's not just for Carl," Cornelius said. "It's for every police officer. People don't realize they put their life in jeopardy every day. They all have families.
"I think more people will see the monument and realize how dangerous a policeman's job can be. They all have families, and you never know (what may happen.) That just shows how close association they have and what they think of their fellow comrades." |
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Last Updated ( Tuesday, 16 September 2008 )
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