Dedication ceremonies were held on National First Responders Day, Tues., Oct. 28 for the Clarence R. Smith Jr. Family Mahoning County Wellness Center in Boardman.
      In attendance were first responders and public officials from Mahoning, Columbiana and Trumbull Counties.
      The concept of a wellness center on the site of the former home of the Smith family began with a concept first discussed by Boardman officials, including Trustee Tom Costello, Admnistrator Jason Loree and Police Chief Todd Werth last fall.
      In making opening remarks at the dedication, Costello noted from those early discussions “to where we are today was quite a journey. Chief Werth was introduced to Dan O’Horo of A.P. Horo Construction and Dan recognized the need for this facility.
      “Together, Dan and Chief Werth worked tirelessly to turn a vision into a reality.”
      Over a span of some nine months, the former Smith family home has been transformed into a complex of meeting, education and conference rooms designed to provide emotional, spiritual and mental assistance to first responders that include police and fire personnel, as well as dispatchers and ambulance/EMS.
      Most importantly, the wellness center will provide a place for fellowship among first responders.
      “Our first responders risk their lives to help others. The least we can do is make sure they have the resources they need to do their jobs,” Costello said.
      Initial support for the development of the center was provided through opioid funding, some $700,000 that had been granted to Boardman Township and Mahoning County Commissioners.
      Also speaking at the dedication were Duane Piccirilli, executive director of the Mahoning County Mental Health and Recovery Board; and Gwen Smith-Darnell, a member of the center’s Board of Trustees.
      “I cannot tell you how happy I am about this facility. It will primarily focus on facilitating trauma-informed care that addresses compassion, fatigue and a safe place to address stress.
      “It takes a strong person to ask for help. The most powerful words anyone can say are ‘You are not alone.’ With this safe space no first responder will be alone,” Piccirilli said.
      “This homestead was my father’s peaceful retreat. What has been created here is beyond words. He touched many lives of people here today and I want to sincerely thank each of you for coming to share in this special dedication, especially Jason Loree, Todd Werth and Tom Costello for their leadership and dedication to this project.,” Smith-Darnell said.
      She added, “Together my parents lived simply, by the values that blessed their lives---their Faith in God, their Hope for our future, and their Love in serving others.
      “May the Clarence R Smith Jr. Family Mahoning Valley First Responder Wellness Center always bring Faith Hope and Love to all those who enter its doors.”