Displaying items by tag: Rob Winebrenner

Project Blue Light is moving closer to reaching its goal in Summit County to distribute 10,000 blue lights in honor of service members in the community.

Rob Winebrenner, the father of fallen Akron police officer Justin Winebrenner, launched the project in November.

"We have more people that want the bulbs, than we have bulbs," said Winebrenner.

More than 3,000 light bulbs have been handed out across Summit County since the launch of the project in November. Winebrenner said it's not hard to see the community's support.

"As you drive around Barberton, it's amazing. There's a lot of [blue lights] in the Akron area. I've shipped them off to Warren and other states."

Winebrenner doesn't have any plans to stop -- even after his goal is reached.

"It's been working out very well. Enough to keep it going and keep us ordering our next thousand."

A benefit will be held at the Funny Stop Comedy Club in Cuyahoga Falls Wednesday night. The proceeds will go to Project Blue Light.

Previous Coverage: 

Father Of Fallen Akron Cop Launches Blue Light Project

Rob Winebrenner, father of slain Akron police officer Justin Winebrenner, said he has forgiven the man who took his son away from him.

"I said I can forgive him so I can move on. I wish it didn't happen that night. I wish he would gone home and stayed home, but what happened happened; I can't change that."

Family and friends of Justin Winebrenner paid tribute to the man they all knew on the eve of the 1-year anniversary of his death at Barberton High School on Sunday.

Rob Winebrenner said on a day they will release balloons into the air in his son's honor would not be a sad day, but a day to reflect on the amount of good Justin did for a number of people.

"Inside, yes, we're sad. We are mad, but I think on the outside it's more of remembering him and moving on and looking forward and seeing the things he did left behind in peoples minds."

Kenan Ivery killed Justin Winebrenner on November 16th 2015 at Papa Don's Pub, after they got into an argument that led to Ivery being kicked out of the bar.

Ivery was sentenced to life without parole for the murder of Winebrenner.

Joel Green, a childhood friend of Justin's, said he will always remember his smile and will always remember him as a caring person. Green said he knows Winebrenner was there with them Sunday.

"We know he is looking down today," Green said. "We couldn't have more beautiful weather today and I think if Justin was standing here today, he would smile."

Ohio Representative Greta Johnson was in attendance and played a big part in naming a portion of the highway along US Route 224 after Winebrenner. Johnson said Winebrenner died helping others.

"Justin was a helper and he died doing what helpers do."

She said riding on the highway named after Justin gives her a daily reminder of the man he was and what it means to be a helper as an elected official.

"I carry him with me and all helpers in the job that I do. His highway sign welcomes me home from every trip everyday to Columbus."

Scott Snyder, founder of the non-profit organization Hero's Rock, presented Justin Winebrenner's daughter Charlee the "CrimeDawg" Rocker that is a replica of the car Winebrener drove as an Akron police officer.

"We created the crime dog for Charlee [Justin Winebrenner's daughter] to reflect Justin's service to his community and who he was."

Snyder and his wife Trish founded Hero's Rock after they learned about a soldier being killed in Afghanistan, a week after learning he was going to be a father.

From pulling a person from a burning car to buying a four-wheeler for a young boy who had his stolen, Snyder said Justin gave his life for others.

"A policeman's motto is to protect and serve. Justin lived by these words on and off the job."

Over 50-100 balloons were let off into the air and many people clapped in celebration, before heading to Green Diamond Grille to watch the Cleveland Browns take on the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Rob Winebrenner said it is a great show of support to see how many people came out to honor his son. He told the crowd before leaving it's because of them he is able to go on.

"Its because of you, each of you. I am able to stand tall."