A “HERO WITH HEART” AHA RECOGNIZES WPD OFFICER The American Heart Association (AHA) of Columbus/Central Ohio is recognizing Westerville Division of Police (WPD) Officer Chad Campese as part of their Heroes With Heart initiative. The program highlights individuals who made a front-line impact during the pandemic and who are passionate about living healthy lifestyles. Ofc. Campese is a School Resource Officer (SRO) at Heritage Middle School (390 N. Spring Rd.) He took up an assignment as a patrol officer after students were sent home from school. When he returned to his SRO duties, he did so with a commitment to the physical and emotional health of the students wearing masks and distancing while continuing his role as a peacekeeper and ally in the schools. No matter what role he filled during the pandemic, Ofc. Campese told the AHA that he remained focused on the task at hand. “Always take stock of who you are and why you’re here. When life throws curveballs, and changes in an instant, the mission is always clear based on the identity you hold and the things you find most important,” Ofc. Campese said in an interview with the American Heart Association. “Your answers to those questions will allow you to block out all of the noise and focus on what truly matters when life seems out of control.” The AHA recognized Ofc. Campese in June. According to the organization, Heroes With Heart honorees have demonstrated a belief in health equity for all and creating a healthier community by moving barriers to healthcare access and quality. Learn about WPD’s SRO program at www.westerville.org/police.
Slam Dunk for Kindness: Westerville Public Service Team Donates Hoop to Local Child One doesn’t enter a career in public service without a strong pull toward customer service and doing things “right.” It’s part of the culture at the City of Westerville, and the community has come to expect it. While it’s not uncommon for stories of “above-and-beyond” actions to work their way through City Hall like a pleasant game of telephone, one tale of kindness captured hearts in the community first on social media. One afternoon in May, Westerville Public Service team members Jose Alicea, Kenneth Roe and Benjamin Rohrey observed a young resident playing with a makeshift basketball hoop made of a plastic crate, wood and a bucket. Moved by the boy’s situation, the team purchased a basketball hoop, assembled and installed it for him. Photos posted to social media show the recipient of the gift with a beaming smile next to his brand new hoop. The story made the rounds on social media, eliciting comments ranging from thankfulness for their gesture to feeling proud to live in a community where kindness is so deep-rooted. Alicia, Roe and Rohrey didn’t work out of self-interest or for accolades. They saw an opportunity to help and they did it “right.”
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