Guardian Angels help community
Everyone needs a guardian angel and Bucyrus has 24, led by Commander Robin “Toro” Michael, a Bucyrus native. Curtis Sliwa, a McDonald’s manager in New York, started the “Guardian Angels” in 1978. Now they are in 17 countries, with 160 chapters and 5,000 members.
Ohio has two chapters, Cleveland and Bucyrus, and the Toledo Chapter (temporarily inactive) trained our angels one year prior to starting here in 2012. Big city problems come to places such as Bucyrus, and the Guardian Angels empower residents and city leaders alike to take pride in their community and contribute to the safety of neighborhoods.
They want all children to enjoy a safe environment to rise to their full potential, develop self-esteem, confidence and pride of accomplishment through contribution and commitment to society (www.guardianangel.org).
Robin became involved when her aunt and uncle’s garage was robbed, they could have been hurt, she said. Heroin also touched her family and she became committed to the angels. People were fed up and were taking things into their own hands, taking ball bats and hiding in their cars to fight against vandalism and theft. They were kicking down doors to get the dealers and sellers who were ruining their neighborhoods and families. Violence was not the solution and the angels came to help and to show a better way. Well identified in their red coats and berets, volunteers led the charge against heroin and drugs in Bucyrus “enough is enough!” They are a nonviolent, nonprofit organization that never goes into communities uninvited. The angels are an organized, unarmed citizen’s patrol, trained in self defense, law and ethics and public relations.
“Love for our community” the passionate angels exemplify the battle cry “Believe in Bucyrus” putting boots to the bricks in our streets. They are the ‘eyes and ears’ for law enforcement for our city, county and state. The volunteer-based organization is made up of dedicated individuals who generously donate their time and energy to help protect communities on top of their own full-time workdays.
They work with drug enforcement and are part of Homeland Security, and act as first responders in disasters such as floods and tornadoes. One member, so dedicated, drove from Indiana to train and patrol. Another dedicated member walked from Galion to Bucyrus to attend training and patrols.
Since 2005, Robin and husband, Curtis, are team truck drivers known as freight expediters, running time-sensitive freight to production lines. It’s an experience, definitely an adventure and she can also direct angel operations while on the road. She was influenced by her Grandma Lillian Sandlin, a faithful member and Sunday school teacher of the Nazarene Church on Iron Street.
The Bucyrus Angels, and other folks, are working on the Gift of Warmth program. Mittens, hats and scarves are tied to telephone poles, with a note that says "a gift of warmth with love from the Guardian Angels.” They provide free protection from the winter weather for people in need.
Guardian Angels are in uniform patrolling Bucyrus day and night. On a lighter side of their job, during the Christmas parade, they are the security squad for Santa Claus; protecting him from any crime that might occur. They are very active during the Bratwurst Festival, watching for problems and helping to protect the vendor’s tents.
They are CPR- and first aid-certified, ready to help in emergency situations. The annual Chamber of Commerce Cemetery Walk draws hundreds and the angels assist people in safely crossing the street, or whatever is needed. Rain, snow, ice or the heat of summer you can count on them.
The group is a crime deterrent, patrolling sundown to sun-up. They begin their work by checking the streets, alleys and patrolling neighborhoods and businesses at night. The group is large enough to patrol daily and when not in uniform, they are still “Guardian Angels.” They rescue people from domestic situations who are in extreme danger. They will have them out ‘bag and baggage’ in 15 minutes to save their lives.
They help find missing people and pets, fight against bullying, feed the homeless and provide firewood. When problems arise, they alert the appropriate emergency response team. They mow lawns for anyone who can’t do for themselves. They shovel snow so people can get to their vehicles or the bus. All services are free of charge, of course; remember, they are angels.
Perhaps the person in front of them doesn’t have enough money at the grocery. No problem, the angels pay the bill and request they pay it forward for the next person in distress.
Their main sponsor is Kiwanis, Rotary, American Legion 181, who donated their van, Ladies of the Moose, Crawford Community Council, Chamber of Commerce, 20/20 Vision and the Elks help also. Readers can donate to Projects Inc., their account.
If you are interested in genealogy or sharing a story email or write Crawford County Genealogy Society, 931 Marion Road , Bucyrus , OH 44820 Mary Fox email Littlefoxfactory@columbus.rr.com.