Farewell, Chief Donald

PERKINS TWP. — "2200 to Perkins 396." No response. "2200 to Perkins 396." Again, no response. "This is the last call for Chief Vince Donald, unit 396, Perkins Township Police Department." One final time, no response. "All listening cars and stations: Please be advised that Perkins unit 396 is no longer available for call." The solemn transmission served as an official last radio call for Perkins police Chief Vince Donald, who unexpectedly died on Sept. 23. He was 48. Broadcast by Erie County dispatchers Vicky Dunn and Kate Barker, a final radio call symbolizes what its name implies: finality. Whether to other law enforcement officials or the general public, it informs people that the officer — in this case, Donald — has passed away and is no longer available to be dispatched for service. The communication then pivoted, going from a formal tone to one carrying much pride and emotion. "Chief Vince Donald: You have served the citizens of Perkins Township with honor and integrity. Your dedication and commitment to your agency, to the community and to the law enforcement profession will never be forgotten," according to the transmission. "You will be missed not only by your family, friends and co-workers but by the countless individuals that you have helped throughout your career," it continued. "Although you are gone, you will never be forgotten. Rest in peace, Chief. We have it from here." Another pause occurred before the message concluded. "Perkins 396 is out of service." Processing the procession The final radio call divided major events happening on Thursday in tribute to Donald. It occurred: • After a private funeral, which mainly involved family members, friends, loved ones and fellow first responders; The ceremony featured several touching musical performances and readings. • Before a procession, which featured about 150 vehicles hailing from all across Sandusky, Erie County and Ohio; It also preceded Donald's burial at Meadow Green Cemetery in Huron Township, his final resting place. The motorcade traveled down Perkins Township's busiest roads, where hundreds of people lined these streets to pay their final respects. Among the more notable sights: a large American flag, hoisted up by Sandusky and Perkins fire trucks, draped over Milan Road (U.S. 250) near Oakland Cemetery. Mary Zuk along with Martha Rodriguez and Rose Milledge stood near the sight. "We didn't know him, but it is important to pay respects," Zuk said. At Hull and Milan roads, Russ Wade recalled his days working with Donald at Sports City. "I left the area for a while, but whenever I came back, I'd always run into him," said Wade, who attended the procession with his wife, Nichole, who added, "He was a great guy, fair all the way around, as long as I can remember. He would always talk with the kids. He will be missed. That's for sure." Standing near Wade, Cyrus Tucker held up two photos of Donald as the procession passed by this area. "I always respected Vince, especially with him being an African American chief," said Tucker, whose wife, Anita, attended school with Donald, a 1992 Sandusky High School graduate. Many people gathered at the Perkins Police Station at Columbus Avenue near East Perkins Avenue. Someone placed a memorial wreath, resting beside the police station's main entrance sign. Across the street, another sign spelled out "RIP Chief Donald 396." Tim Loris, who owns Accurate Business Machines, used the message board as his way to salute Donald. "Chief Donald will be deeply missed," Loris said. Scott and Judy Farrell, the owners of Sandusky Towing, parked beside the yellow street sign. They fondly recalled their many partnerships with Donald and his agency. "He was truly a wonderful man," Judy said. Throughout the route, people could spot children standing beside their parents to witness this monumental moment in the area's history. It's the first time in recent memory an active-duty police chief died. "It was emotional and great to see all of the different cities and townships supporting the community," said Christina Merlo, who attended the procession with her son, Luca Leone, 1. "It was a great loss." The entire Perkins Schools district also spectated this mobile ceremony. Students attending and teachers working at Furry Elementary, Meadowlawn Intermediate, Briar Middle and Perkins High schools left their classrooms to view the motorcade. On Columbus Avenue near Birchwood Drive, dozens of Furry Elementary students huddled around one another in a grassy area. Many wore blue shirts, and several waved at first responders driving by. A few even put their hands over their hearts, despondent by Donald's passing. "The importance of this is to really honor Chief Donald," said Perkins superintendent Todd Boggs, who personally helped coordinate activities at Furry Elementary. "He gave his very best for us every single day. We are just proud and honored to be able to give him what he has given to us — his respect — all throughout his service. We are all deeply saddened." In memory Beginning in 1996, Donald spent his entire law enforcement career with Perkins Township. He rose through the ranks — from officer to sergeant to lieutenant to assistant chief — ultimately culminating with his appointment to chief in July 2020. During his chief's swearing-in ceremony, about 300 people — family members, friends, loved ones, regional law enforcement officials, past and present co-workers, among many others — attended the ceremony at Strickfaden Park. When Donald initially became a full-time township police officer in 1996, he never imagined becoming the department's top cop. But three former colleagues, in particular — his direct predecessors, former chiefs Ken Klamar and Robb Parthemore along with Sandusky County Sheriff Chris Hilton — convinced Donald he could achieve greatness in a leadership role. During that ceremony, Donald expressed his gratitude to family members — specifically his longtime significant other Amanda Adler and daughter Jaiden Borzon — for their patience and understanding as he missed out on many special moments, always placing his police career first. "Someone had to do it, and I was willing to do it. I was driven to do it," Donald said two years ago. "That is why I truly believe I am here today all because of my dedication for Perkins Township." Donald then turned his attention to the Perkins police force: officers who "work with, and not for, him." "We all do this job together," Donald said. "The officers and the supervisors we have will be able to do great things. The department is in a good place. It's not that we have to fix anything. We just have to continue to be better and move forward, and we have the guys and girls that can do it. I have faith in every single one of them." During his 10-minute address, Donald needed to pause several times as he kept receiving standing ovations from audience members. "I appreciate every single one of you," Donald said to those in the crowd. "I didn't grow up in Perkins, but Perkins gave me my job and my passion. Everything I do, I do it for Perkins Township."