Cleveland Building Trades Members Volunteer To Build Officer Memorial
On Nov. 9 members of Cleveland Building Trades affiliated unions joined hundreds of community members at the dedication service of Derek Owens Memorial Park.
The memorial was built by Cleveland Building Trades volunteers.
Now, a lot with a vacant house, which once served as a continual reminder of this senseless act of violence, is a tranquil setting where children will soon come to play.
On Feb. 29, 2008 at 6:25 p.m., Cleveland Police Officer Derek Owens, a 10-year department veteran, and his partner Officer Robert Goins were called to investigate reports of a group of youths gathered inside the garage of an abandoned house at 10410 Parkview Ave.
When the officers arrived at the house, known for drug activity, the men scattered and the officers split up in pursuit.
IUPAT DC 6 apprentices volunteered to paint the fencing at the Derek Owens Memorial Park.
Following a brief pursuit, Owens radioed for help, stating shots were fired and he had been hit. Owens was taken to MetroHealth Medical Center where he underwent hours of surgery. His injuries though, were too severe and he passed away the next day.
Residents of Parkview Avenue wanted to show their respect and condolences to the family of Officer Owens, the community and the Cleveland Police Department by establishing a reflection park in his memory.
Four years ago, plans were put in motion to create the Derek Owens Memorial Park, and eventually, the Cleveland Police Foundation purchased lots on Parkview Avenue, including the lot where Officer Owens was slain.
Cleveland Police Capt. Keith Sulzer worked closely with Cleveland Building Trades Unions on this project.
Earlier this year, construction began, and Cleveland Police Captain Keith Sulzer helped to coordinate the project by working closely with multiple Cleveland Building Trades Unions and their signatory contractors.
Affiliated members volunteered hundreds of hours on this project, cleaning the site, preparing the site, construction and installation.
The project included free library/book banks, which were constructed by members of Carpenters Local 373 and painted by IUPAT District Council 6 members. DC 6 also held a book drive in order to collect books to ensure the book banks are full.
Iron fencing that was donated to the project was sandblasted and painted with a base coat by DC 6 apprentices and instructors.
About 22 apprentices helped install the fence in the park and put on a final coat, with paint donated by Sherwin Williams.
Members of Iron Workers Local 17 built and installed park benches.
In addition to DC 6, Carpenters Local 373 and Iron Workers Local 17, volunteers from Cement Masons Local 404 and their signatory contractors also took part in this project.