Lorain law enforcement officers celebrate 50 years of service to children

VERMILION, Ohio - Warm, dry days and cool nights are perfect for camping. In Lorain, a law enforcement group is celebrating its 50th year of service working with boys caught up in the court system without parents.

It all goes back to 1962 when a former orphan who grew up to be an Ohio State patrolman felt the need to help young boys appreciate those in law enforcement rather than fear them.

Fifty years later, that tradition is still going strong in Lorain County.

Thirteen law enforcement agencies began a week-long camp out filled with activities for children often not used to positive role models. Their goal is to allow boys to understand friendship can be found with policemen. That goal was seen clearly working well in at Mill Hollow Bacon Woods park Wednesday, July 25.

The mission for the program, which is 100 percent dependent on donations from the public, is to promote, "friendship and understanding, while teaching citizenship and respect." Operation Open Heart's website states, "We, the members of Open Heart are dedicated to helping children, who no fault of their own, are involved with Children Services."

Former Ohio State Patrol officer A.J. Torres finds each of his 22 years of involvement rewarding.

"You know they've had a good time when (years later) they stop you and say, 'I remember you from police camp,' and it's nice to see a lot them succeeding," said Torres.

To donate or read about the program visit their website at www.operationopenheart.org or visit them on Facebook at https://facebook.com/OperationOpenHeart