Label
Council Members McPherson and Morris
Title
Recognizing and congratulating Toledo Police Department Officer Dana Slay for being the first black officer awarded badge #1.
Summary
WHEREAS, Toledo Police Department Officer (TPD) Dana Slay is the oldest of seven kids in her family, where she was born and raised in Toledo and graduated from Scott High School, and today has one daughter, Kimbrance; and
WHEREAS, she was hired by the police department on December 14, 1990 and she has worked in Operations and Community Services; and recalls it being winter when she started her 33-year career on the force, remembering the exact day, December 14, 1990; and
WHEREAS, despite not aspiring to become a police officer from a young age, Officer Slay was encouraged to take the test and eventually ranked 34th out of 5000 people, and has never regretted her decision, always taking pride in serving the community, helping people in their time of need, big or small, adopting the moto “to protect and serve” as her own; and
WHEREAS, upon receiving the honor, Officer Slay said she is filled with pride and honor to become the first Black officer to be awarded Badge No. 1, which means she holds the highest rank among TPD patrolmen in the Toledo Police Department; and
WHEREAS, when Officer Slay's daughter pinned Badge No. 1 on her uniform, TPD officers, friends, and family erupted in applause and cheers, and her family was in happy tears; and
WHEREAS, the long tradition started in 1873 and Officer Slay is the first African-American woman to ever wear Badge No. 1-the highest patrolman in the police department; and
WHEREAS, the significance of this historical achievement is not lost on Officer Slay who stated, “This badge means that I am a representation of the department, serving as an inspiration for Black officers and letting them know that they too can achieve whatever they set their sights on. To have earned this honor and make history in this department between MLK Day and Black History Month is huge”; and
WHEREAS, Officer Slay said that she loves this community and will continue to be an agent of change with or without wearing Badge No 1; and hopes to be an inspiration to African American teens and to continue mentoring residents in the community; NOW, THEREFORE,
Be it resolved by the Council of the City of Toledo:
SECTION 1. That Toledo Police Department Officer Dana Slay is congratulated and commended for her 33 years of service to the Toledo community and upon her obtaining the impressive honor of being awarded Badge No. 1 signifying her rank as the highest patrolman in the Department.
SECTION 2. That this Resolution shall take effect and be in force from and after the earliest period allowed by law.
Adopted: March 21, 2023, as an emergency measure: yeas 11, nays 0.
Attest:
Gerald E. Dendinger Matt Cherry
Clerk of Council President of Council
Approved: March 21, 2023
Wade Kapszukiewicz
Mayor
l