Erin Dickerson’s Prayer
Deuteronomy 31:6. Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of enemies, for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave nor forsake you.
Lord,
Bless our law enforcement, especially those here with us today. When You asked, “Whom shall I send?” they answered, “Here I am, Lord!”
Walk alongside them at every stop, on every call, and during every split-second decision. Give them wisdom, strength, and courage in every situation they face. And we ask You to bring wholeness, peace, and security to the family and friends who support them in their call to serve and protect.
Amen.
Get to Know Erin Dickerson
President Sarah Umbreit interviewed Erin Dickerson for this week’s “Get to Know a Member.”
- As a child, Erin wanted to be a teacher, an interior designer, and a psychiatrist; the list went on.
- What makes her most happy: peace and quiet, which can be scarce with three teenagers in the house.
- Her go-to TV: anything on HGTV, or Food Network.
Erin joined CNO on November 24, 2018, sponsored by her husband, Andrew Dickerson.
Announcements
CNO 2.0
Sarah Umbreit announced that the next CNO 2.0 meeting will be Wednesday, May 21, at Underground Chucks, starting at 5:30 PM. The speaker will be Karen King, the Communications and Marketing Director from Centerville Washington History, speaking about local history and exhibits. Members are encouraged to bring a friend or family member who is interested in learning what CNO does.
Americana Booths
Andy Higgins reminded members that CNO will have two booths at the Americana Festival this year. The main club booth will promote CNO membership and activities, and a second booth for the Youth Mental Health Initiative. Volunteers are needed for both, and planning continues at next Tuesday’s evening committee meeting at the library.
Please sign up using the Member Calendar.
Summer Reading Program Kickoff
Liz Fultz asked for volunteers for the Summer Reading Program Kickoff on Saturday, May 30, at Schoolhouse Park, with the greatest need in the afternoon shift from 2:00 to 4:30 PM. Circus performers and a lot of kids will be on hand for a fun event.
Please sign up using the Member Calendar.
Euchre Social
Connie Risch announced that the Euchre Social will be held on Sunday evening, May 31, at ContempoRoast. Thanks to Greg and Mindy Hoffbauer for again opening ContempoRoast to the club.
Please sign up using the Member Calendar.
Save the Date: America’s 250th Birthday Celebration
Connie Risch asked members to save the date for a free family event celebrating America’s semiquincentennial (the 250th birthday of the United States) on Saturday, July 18, 2026. Bring spouses, children, and grandchildren. The club will provide burgers and hot dogs, and the event will be a potluck for the rest. More details to follow.
Youth Appreciation at Incarnation JOI Club
Debe Dockins reported that the Optimists hosted a pizza party at Incarnation for the leadership committee of their JOI (Junior Optimist International) Club. The club has approximately 50 to 75 sixth, seventh, and eighth graders. Debe was impressed by all the kids do beyond their school day, including stuffing Easter eggs, running Haunted Trails, and supporting a sock, underwear, and shoe drive for Appalachia in Kentucky. It was a great day to be an Optimist.
Tom Frazier Tee Off for Youth Golf Classic
Steve Rau announced that we are 61 days away from the 34th annual Tom Frazier Tee Off for Youth Golf Classic. Foursomes are selling well. Volunteers are needed to run the event.
Please sign up using the Member Calendar.
Avenue of Flags Delivery
Tom Novak reported that on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, CNO will deploy 3,700 flags. Volunteers are needed to help deliver flags and to assist at flag headquarters. Drivers can also use a helper riding along with the flags.
Please sign up using the Member Calendar.
John P. Kalaman Respect for Law Awards 2026
Use this link to view the flyer that was on the tables at lunch today. The flyer has several details about the two recipients and information about John P. Kalaman.
About the CNO John P. Kalaman Respect for Law Awards
The Optimist International Respect for Law program began in 1965 and has grown to be one of the most popular in Optimism, with 1,500 Optimist clubs participating last year.
Shortly after our club was chartered in 1968, we adopted an annual Respect for Law Award in cooperation with the Centerville Police Department and the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Washington Township substation. Each law enforcement agency forwards the name of its Officer or Deputy of the Year to receive our award. All employees of the department are eligible, not just police officers. Each recipient receives a Respect for Law Award plaque.
On January 12, 1998, Centerville Police Officer John P. Kalaman and Washington Township Firefighter Robert O’Toole were fatally injured during a traffic accident investigation on Interstate 675. The late club member Terry Blair provided the impetus to name our Respect for Law Award in John Kalaman’s honor. At the same time, a Firefighter/EMT of the Year Award was created to honor Robert O’Toole, which is presented in October each year.
May 15 is observed nationally as Peace Officers Memorial Day in honor of those law enforcement officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their community or have become disabled in the performance of duty. Mayor Brooks Compton, a CNO member, has proclaimed the week of May 11–17, 2026, as National Police Week in the City of Centerville, a fitting backdrop for this year’s presentation.
Introductions
Sarah Umbreit introduced Gary Anderson and Bob Burkman, the emcees for this year’s awards.
Bob Burkman shared a personal aside about his love of law enforcement: both of his children recently retired from law enforcement careers. His son was a criminal investigator with the Office of Special Investigations at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, and his daughter was an FBI agent who met her husband inside the J. Edgar Hoover Building.
Gary Anderson noted that this is the first Respect for Law ceremony without John and Paula Kalaman in the audience; both of John P. Kalaman’s parents and longtime CNO members passed away in recent months. Gary welcomed Bob and Ronda Kalaman, who traveled from Atlanta to represent the Kalaman family, and Ruth O’Toole, who continues to honor her son’s memory with us each year.
Bob Kalaman shared brief remarks, noting that he and Ronda made it a mission this year to represent the Kalaman family in the wake of John’s and Paula’s recent passing: “My brother was tragically killed. The circumstances were horrible, but good comes from bad, and this is what we have here today.”
Lt. Mike Yoder introduced the Centerville Police Department contingent: Chief Matt Brown, Lt. Anthony Green, and Lt. Tyler Wilson, along with award recipient Patty Fabrick’s family: her husband Alex, her oldest daughter Lauren (who got to skip school to be there), her father Tom Dempsey (a founding member of the band The Hathaways), and Tom’s wife Vicky. Patty’s other two children, Natalie and AJ, were not so lucky and were still in school.
Captain Josh Samples, the police commander for Washington Township, then introduced the Washington Township Substation contingent: Chief of Staff Jeremy Roy, award recipient Deputy Kyle Chmiel, Major Brad Daugherty, and Sergeant Scott Morgan.
Centerville Police Lt. Mike Yoder
Lt. Mike Yoder presented the John P. Kalaman Respect for Law Award to Records Communications Supervisor Patty Fabrick. He explained that each year the department solicits nominations from staff for the John Kalaman Employee of the Year Award, and that this year’s recipient received two nomination letters, a testament to her impact. He read excerpts from one:
“I respectfully nominate Records Communications Supervisor Patricia Fabrick for the John Kalaman Employee of the Year Award. Supervisor Fabrick was hired as a Records Communications Specialist on March 29, 2016, and was promoted to Records Communications Supervisor on July 3, 2017. Since May of 2025, she has served as the sole Records Communications Supervisor, assuming full responsibility for managing a section of twelve Dispatchers and one Records Specialist.”
The letter went on to describe Patty’s successful navigation of her expanded leadership role, adjusting her schedule to dayshift, completing training in records law, and stepping into the role of Terminal Agency Coordinator to lead the department’s first triennial LEADS technical audit to a clean outcome. (LEADS stands for Law Enforcement Automated Data System, the platform officers use in their cruisers to check for warrants, driving records, protection orders, and similar information.) The letter also credited her hands-on leadership of the hiring and training of six new dispatchers and noted that Supervisor Fabrick consistently demonstrates a positive attitude (some may say she’s optimistic.)
Lt. Yoder added that beyond the nomination letters, Patty has made significant sacrifices for the department. He and Patty interview new dispatcher candidates together, and they often use a Navy SEAL analogy when describing the job: not because dispatchers are running special operations missions, but because the role requires extensive training and the ability to listen to the phone, listen to the radio, and enter data into the computer all at once. Not everyone can be a dispatcher, and even fewer can be a dispatch supervisor, balancing twelve different personalities, scheduling, and training while keeping the bosses happy. With a 24/7 operation, dispatchers must be in the seats at all times to answer the calls.
Lt. Yoder closed by thanking Patty’s family on behalf of Chief Brown and the entire department for sharing her with the agency: “Without her, we wouldn’t be where we are. She does a tremendous job.”
Comments from Records Communications Supervisor Patty Fabrick
Patty Fabrick spoke:
“Working for the Centerville Police Department has been an honor for me, and I couldn’t do it without them either. First, thank you to my husband and my kids. Working in law enforcement is hard, with long hours and unpredictable schedules. If it wasn’t for him, I couldn’t do this work. Thank you also to my parents, who help with the kids and rides and are another set of hands when we need it. I owe a lot to them, too.”
“The support I have from Lt. Yoder and Chief Brown is amazing. I feel very blessed. I think back to the day I learned of this recognition. Chief Brown called me into his office, and it’s never usually good things to be called in for. I knew of another employee who had been nominated, so I was anticipating being told she was the recipient. And then he said, ‘Actually, you are.’ I was a little stunned and a little shocked, but to be recognized for the work that you do because you love it just means that much more. To have a passion for this job and to love the people I work with. I really couldn’t ask for a better team.”
Patty closed by thanking CNO for the beautiful luncheon and the Kalaman family for traveling so far to be present, noting she had heard nothing but wonderful things about John.
Washington Township District Commander Captain Josh Samples
Captain Josh Samples presented the John P. Kalaman Respect for Law Award to Deputy Kyle Chmiel. He opened by thanking Ruth O’Toole, the Centerville Noon Optimist Club, and the Yankee Trace staff, and by recognizing the lasting legacy of John and Paula Kalaman, whose belief in service to others continues to have a meaningful impact today.
Captain Samples described Deputy Chmiel as a tremendous advocate for individuals in crisis through his work with the Crisis Intervention Team, with an exceptional ability to balance professionalism, empathy, and compassion in situations that are often incredibly difficult and emotionally charged. He shared two examples that illustrate Deputy Chmiel’s dedication:
“One of the clearest examples of his dedication involved an elderly resident living in unsafe and deteriorating conditions. Rather than simply handling the call and moving on, Deputy Chmiel took personal ownership of the situation. He coordinated resources, restored essential services, connected community partners, and continued to follow up to ensure this individual received the care and support she needed. His efforts preserved not only her safety, but also her dignity and quality of life.”
“Deputy Chmiel has also demonstrated extraordinary composure and decisiveness during critical incidents. In one particularly traumatic situation involving a suicide attempt by a new father, Deputy Chmiel responded immediately and began life-saving CPR measures without hesitation. His actions provided that individual with a fighting chance at survival and demonstrated the type of calm leadership and selflessness that cannot be taught. It comes from character. It also comes from being in the Sheriff’s Office for 19 years.”
Captain Samples closed by noting that these actions reflect a consistent pattern of service-driven policing and genuine care for the people Deputy Chmiel serves, building trust, strengthening partnerships, and quietly going above and beyond without seeking recognition or praise. He congratulated Deputy Chmiel on receiving the 2026 John P. Kalaman Respect for Law Award on behalf of his supervisors, his peers, and the community he serves.
Comments from Deputy Kyle Chmiel
Deputy Kyle Chmiel spoke:
“I’m very honored and grateful to be here with everyone today. The recognition means a lot. I’m a person who likes to fly under the radar; I don’t like attention, but I wouldn’t be able to do some of the things that were described without the support of the Sheriff’s Office, my supervisors, and our co-responders. It takes a team to do it, and it takes a lot of patience. When it comes to the day-to-day stuff, they give me a lot of leeway when I get myself into some predicaments that take a little bit more time than an average call. Thank you, everyone. I greatly appreciate it.”
Final Thoughts
From Bob Burkman:
“With this Noon Optimist’s 29th remembrance of both John and Bobby’s sacrifice, we acknowledge the value and importance of the individuals who commit themselves daily to ensure each of us can work, play, and learn in a community that remains as safe as is humanly possible. To Patty and Kyle, congratulations on your selection. To Bob and Ronda, thank you for joining us in our annual remembrance of John, and now of your parents and our dear friends John and Paula. To Ruth O’Toole, thank you for sharing your time with us again this year; we look forward to October 13, when we invite you to join us in recognizing your son Bobby. And for our club members writ large, let us always be thankful for the many blessings we enjoy in this community, and for the many public servants who teach our children and keep us safe.”
Slides
The slide deck contains additional photos and details beyond what is covered in this article, including Mayor Brooks Compton’s National Police Week proclamation. You can view the slide deck of the presentation by using the link at the bottom of this article.
New Member Readings and Inductions
There were no readings or inductions today.
Happy Bucks
There was no time for Happy Bucks today.
Sergeants-at-Arms Fines: Jeff Busch and Mike Thonnerieux
- Lt. Mike Yoder was fined for aiding and abetting by handing the bell and gavel to Gary Smiga.
- President Sarah Umbreit observed that with all the law enforcement seated at the head table, the bell and gavel, conspicuously missing, should still have been there. A member of the law enforcement community was alleged to be the accomplice. Sadly, no fine assessed.
- Scott Langer was fined for influencing a law enforcement officer of this club, after suggesting to Lt. Mike Yoder that Respect for Law day was a fine opportunity to steal the bell.
- Gary Smiga was fined for receiving stolen property: the bell and gavel.
Welcome Guests
| Guest | Guest Of |
| Matt Brown | Program |
| Kyle Chmiel | Program |
| Tom Dempsey | Program |
| Vicky Dempsey | Program |
| Patty Fabrick | Program |
| Alex Fabrick | Program |
| Lauren Fabrick | Program |
| Anthony Green | Program |
| Bob Kalaman | Program |
| Ronda Kalaman | Program |
| Ruth O’Toole | Program |
| Jeremy Roy | Program |
| Josh Samples | Program |
| Tyler Wilson | Program |
| Alicia Townsend | Guest |
| Brad Daugherty | Program |
| Elena Thompson | Carrie Thompson |
| Jon Hazelton | Bob Duffy |
| Justin Ecjkley | Evelyn Griffin |
| Justin Eckley | Evelyn Griffin |
| Scarlett Eckley | Evelyn Griffin |
| Scott Morgan | Program |
Club Membership Anniversaries
| Member | Joined | Years |
| Brendan Cunningham | May 15, 2018 | 8 |
| Megan Dalton | May 17, 2022 | 4 |
| Rick Hartley | May 17, 2022 | 4 |
| Claire Kerr | May 17, 2022 | 4 |
| Dean Lundgren | May 17, 2022 | 4 |
| Bill DeShurko | May 18, 2011 | 15 |
| Jim Marker | May 18, 2011 | 15 |
Birthdays
| Don Stafford | May 14 |
| Tim Bemis | May 15 |
| Cadance Lowell | May 15 |
| Kristina Rainer | May 16 |
| Sally Martino | May 16 |
| Greg Hoffbauer | May 16 |
| Jim Long | May 17 |
| Carolyn Taylor | May 17 |
| Jack Anderson | May 18 |
Thank You Notes Received this Week
CLICK HERE to see the Thank You Notes received this week
Links to PowerPoint and Pictures
CLICK HERE to see the PowerPoint Slide Deck from this week’s meeting