BY JOHN A. DARNELL JR.
      associate editor
      It was on Mon., Jan. 7 that veteran Boardman police officer Heather Englert Dobbins posted on Facebook that she was not asking for any pity party when she notified her many friends that she was in the Cleveland Clinic for a brain tumor “that was found after a month of bad back and neck pain, and headaches.
      “I have to wait until Friday morning to have it removed and tested. Thankfully, I have the best family anyone could ask for,” she said.
      Heather didn’t make it, and died Fri., Jan. 11, before surgery. It was just the day before that she visited with her parents and brother, and the focus of her life, her daughter, Olivia.
      Officer Dobbins was a 16-year member of the Boardman Police Department, and she was on the job until Fri., Jan. 4, when she could no longer endure the pain caused by the tumor, and sought emergency medical treatment.
      “Heather did everything with her family. Despite the pain, she always had a smile on her face,” a co-worker said this week.
      Her untimely death galvanized the Boardman Police Department that has honored Officer Dobbins by retiring her badge number, #2030. Over 25 Boardman police cruisers led a procession during funeral services held Wed., Jan. 16 in her hometown of Salem, Oh. Leading that procession was her cruiser, ‘car #20.’ As well, a police honor guard stood by her during memorial services.
      A 1996 graduate of Salem High School, Officer Dobbins earned a degree in criminal justice from Youngstown State University in 2000.
      She joined the Boardman Police Department on July 11, 2003, becoming the third female officer with the department. She was a member of the Boardman Fraternal Order of Police, Lodge #43.
      On 2009, Officer Dobbins earned a degree in middle childhood education from Youngstown State University.
      She was born June 20, 1978 in Salem, Oh., a daughter of Richard and Gaylene (Kekel) Englert.
      Heather is survived by one daughter, who was her life, her mini me, and BFF, Olivia Marie Dobbins of Boardman; her parents, Richard and Gaylene Englert of Salem; one brother, Scott (Dr. Kim Truong) Englert of Seattle, Wash.; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
      In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a Scholarship Trust Fund for Olivia.
      Officer Dobbins was recognized by a moment of silence last weekend at the Boardman vs. Howland basketball game; and during a moment of silence observed when Boardman Township Trustees met on Monday, as Trustee Chairman Larry Moliterno lauded the outpouring of support from the community.
      Officer Dobbins was then recognized by proclamation---
      “Whereas Officer Dobbins served the community and department with faithfulness, dedication and loyalty;
      “And whereas we recognize Heather Englert Dobbins for her contributions to the Boardman Township Police Department and to the community of Boardman Township;
      “We hereby tender this proclamation honoring Heather Englert Dobbins and retire her Boardman Police Department number, #2030, in memory of her friendship, selflessness and kindness,” said the proclamation.
      As a final tribute, the Boardman Police Department dispatch center gave Officer Dobbins one last call---
      “Attention all units prepare to copy the final call for unit 2030 Officer Heather Dobbins
      “Boardman Dispatch to unit 2030 …..
      “Boardman Dispatch to unit 2030 …..
      “Boardman Dispatch to unit 2030 Officer Heather Dobbins badge number 2030 .....
      “Negative response from Boardman unit 2030….
      “It is with great sorrow that we mourn the passing of Boardman Officer Heather Dobbins badge number 2030, who served the Boardman Police Department and the citizens of Boardman Township for 16 years.
      “A true public servant, your dedication to duty and devotion to your family, especially your beloved daughter Olivia, was beyond reproach. You have made your family and the people you have served very proud.
      “Your presence at the Boardman Township Police Department with always be remembered and never replaced.
      “All units be advised, that as of January 11, 2019, Officer Heather Dobbins Boardman Police Department unit 2030 is signal 13 (out of service) for the remainder. You will be missed and never forgotten.
      “May you rest in peace, we have the watch from here.”