This year’s event took place on May 15, beginning with a student-led assembly that honored Cleveland Police Patrol Officer David Fahey Jr., a Navy veteran, who died from injuries sustained while on duty.

Members of Fahey’s family attended the ceremony, offering reflections and memories of him and reminding attendees of the lasting impact of a life lived in service to others.

David grew up in Cleveland’s West Park neighborhood and graduated from St. Edward High School in Lakewood before joining the Navy. He joined the Cleveland Police Department on July 7, 2014.

Family members said his service followed in the footsteps of several relatives, including his mother and stepfather, a younger brother and a cousin. David’s badge number was 2453, which previously had been worn by his stepfather when he was a patrol officer.

While assigned to the First District, David, 39, and his partner were directing traffic after a fatal accident on Interstate 90 near Warren Road about 6 a.m. on Jan. 24, 2017, when he was struck and killed by a hit-and-run driver. The driver was located and later arrested.

His badge was retired by the CPD during its annual Badge Case Ceremony during National Police Week in May 2017.

“The students interviewed us in the weeks leading up to the event. Each group had to learn his oath (David’s) for his military branch (Navy), as well as the oath for the police,” said Cleveland Police Detective Chris Porter, David’s younger brother. Chris said they were best friends and joined CPD after serving in the military.

The assembly included setting the POW/MIA table, a reminder that the POWs/MIAs cannot join their families at the table, so a place is set in their honor. Chris assisted in setting the table with a place setting, a lemon, salt, inverted glass, flowers, a Bible and an empty chair.

Randy Daley, IWA director of security and a member of the Cleveland Police Pipes and Drums, played the bagpipes during the assembly.

After the assembly, students, teachers and others gathered for the annual Military Walk, a four-mile community walk through Parma Heights.

IWA teacher Stacy Shalala, event organizer, said the Military Walk is more than just a walk. She said the tradition “serves as a reminder that the freedoms we enjoy each day were made possible through sacrifice and service.” The daughter of a Korean War veteran, Stacy has worked with students to implement the IWA Military Day activities prior to Memorial Day each year for students in grades 5-8.

Mike Wisnor, IWA president, said the school has earned Purple Star designation from the Ohio Department of Education for its commitment to students and families who are connected to the military.

“It was amazing to experience the event and meet the children who put so much thought and love into remembering David,” Chris said. “The children exemplified the good in the world and how and why it’s worth fighting to protect good people.”