Incarnate Word Academy in Parma Heights began its annual Exercise Our Freedom Military Day with a student-led assembly honoring fallen Cleveland Police Officer and Navy Veteran David Fahey Jr. The school welcomed members of his family for the assembly.
The event, which occurs prior to Memorial Day, included reflections and memories by Fahey family members reminding attendees of the lasting impact of a life lived in service to others.
Fahey, who grew up in Cleveland’s West Park neighborhood, graduated from St. Edward High School in Lakewood before joining the Navy. He joined the Cleveland Police Department on July 7, 2014.
(See photo gallery above.)
Family members said his service followed in the footsteps of several family members, including his mother and stepfather, a brother and a cousin. Fahey was issued badge number 2453, which had previously been worn by his stepfather when he was a patrol officer.
While assigned to the CPD First District, Fahey and his partner were assisting in directing traffic after a fatal accident on Interstate 90 near Warren Road about 6 a.m. on Jan. 24, 2017 when Fahey was struck and killed by a hit-and-run driver. The hit-skip driver was arrested several hours later.
Fahey was 39 when he died. His badge was retired by the CPD during its annual Badge Case Ceremony during National Police Week in May 2017.
The assembly included setting of 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. The table was set with a place setting, a lemon, salt, inverted glass, flowers, a Bible and an empty chair with a POW/MIA covering.
Randy Daley, IWA director of security and a member of the Cleveland Police Pipes and Drums, played the bagpipe during the assembly.
After the assembly, students, teachers and others gathered for the annual Military Walk. The four-mile community walk through Parma Heights, making stops along the way — including at the new library, lunch at Holy Name High School and for a treat at Gina’s Gelato & Java.
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, Shalala 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.
Photos courtesy of Incarnate Word Academy.
Watch for more information about the IWA Military Day event and Patrolman Fahey in the July/August issue of Northeast Ohio Catholic magazine.