Chief Ed Moore of the Hudson Police Department announced yesterday an initiative to create a memorial garden at the police and court building at Union and Seventh streets. His message, which appeared on Facebook, appears below, after the rendering of the proposed garden.
I have joined a group of retired police officers and local citizens who are interested in beautifying the police and court building. It is our intent to raise money through donations and construct a 40' x 40' memorial park in front of the building. The park will include an engraved marble slab, flagpole, several benches, landscaping (to include flowering trees, flowers, and ground cover) and stairs from Union Street. The park will be dedicated to all police officers and employees of the department who have served this city.
The beginning of our department traces back to the original nightwatch more than 200 years ago, long before the term "police" become popular. Unfortunately, the city has very few historical records, artifacts, or memorials that acknowledge this long history. It only seems right to create a tribute. At the same time, as our city restores many of its old buildings, we can also make our building more attractive and inviting.
To some, it may seem counterintuitive or provocative to acknowledge police officers while our nation explores ways to reform and improve law enforcement. I don't see it that way. This is the perfect time to honor public service, commemorate those who have served with bravery and integrity, and to reinforce those values to our current officers.
The park, with its marble monument stone, will serve as a constant visual reminder to our police officers that dedication to public service will be recognized and memorialized.
We will also have to decide on a proper engraving for our memorial. One quote to consider comes from Dr. George F. Chandler in his book The Policeman's Art. It reads:
"The police shall give the maximum protection with the minimum interference with the lawful rights of our citizens."
Or perhaps the one we all learned at the police academy, Sir Robert Peel's:
"The Police are the Public; the Public are the Police."
I think everyone can get on board with a timely reminder about the true nature and desired standard for police work: bravery, service, integrity.
This is a great idea, though the design seems a bit stolid and fusty. (My apologies to the designer.)
ReplyDeleteSomething lasting is called for rather than the merely conventional. As long as it's inviting, that can be anything from contemplative to dynamic. If it's not inviting, well that sort of defeats the purpose.
It's too bad that the Facebook page requires a Facebook account.
I too think it's a great idea.
ReplyDeleteI also think it’s a great idea. Reminds of the Firemen’s Home Memorial Garden ... Maybe the garden design is a work in progress? Wherever there are benches, it’s good to have trees for shade. Much more inviting. I’d love to see more movement, and a garden with native plants would be beneficial.
ReplyDeleteYes! Thank you!
DeleteI think that it will be great to have the police/court building landscaped. Creating a "break in the wall" of the jail bar-like fencing is so needed symbolically and psychologically. Pedestrian access from the Union Street sidewalk through a contemplative space makes for community common ground. No matter what the reason for residents to be interacting with the police and the courts emotions are almost always elevated; this garden can act as a calming transition place.
ReplyDeleteEcologically greenspace will benefit the neighborhood and act as a CSX track visual buffer. I would offer that the piece of fencing removed for the entry steps be brought around to the CSX track side, just one section or two, to create an anchored corner and to dissuade a short-cut through the landscaped space. Two or three more low-growing trees running east along the berm would shade the sidewalk and the cars parked in front while softening the formality of the building structure.
Hudson has so many amazing gardeners; don't forget to reach out and ask for perennials donations in the Fall when plants can be divided and shared.
Yes! Excellent!
DeleteChief Moore has been a wonderful asset to the Hudson community for as long as he's been here. Since I have known him, he's worked with Hudson residents to make HPD a more inclusive, diverse, and responsive police agency.
ReplyDeleteThis is a wonderful and welcome addition to the city landscape.
I couldn't agree more, what a great idea. Every time I walk past the Iron railing I think 'why don't they do something to beautify this, some plantings and put steps down to the front door. I'm so glad that our Police Chief has made this decision - there is a lot of empty asphalt space there and green will look good, steps will be more friendly and I think it's a great time to do it. I will certainly support it. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteI would not be to quick to quote PEEL.Has a lot to awnser for .Rounded up a the low lives & ship them to Australia .To bad we cant do that today or
ReplyDelete