10/02/2006 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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Pic-t-u1„,,_ < 0 V.Ink esrrc jc /2 /2_0o4, Monday, October 2, 2006 Dear Mayor and City Council, Thank you for taking the time tonight to discuss the naming of a Lino Lakes park after my husband Officer Shawn Silvera who was killed last fall in the line of duty. It is my pleasure this evening to share with you my support for the park. I remember the first time I heard of the suggestion to name a park after Shawn, the message was delivered to me by Police Chief Dave Pecchia only days after Shawn's tragic and untimely death. The Chief gently informed me that some citizens in Lino Lakes wished to name a park after Shawn. I believe both the Chief and I were humbled by this idea and felt its sense of importance. The Chief encouraged me to wait a few months before acting on anything, while assuring me that he supported this noble idea. Since Shawn's death over a year ago, I have heard the suggestion about naming a park after him several times, including the night of the vigil held by the police department this past September 6t. At that time I was encouraged to attend a council meeting to show my support. Each time this topic is addressed, I am comforted that people of Lino Lakes are generously finding ways to honor Shawn's sacrifice. When I fast forward time in my mind, I imagine someday taking Jordan and Madelynn to a park in Lino Lakes named for their father. I envision what a gift it would be to look at Jordan and say, "This park was named for your dad. That is how great the sacrifice was that he made for you. This is how special your daddy was." Madelynn has just begun to say "Da -da" when she sees a photo of Shawn. It would be an amazing privilege to share this park with Madelynn one day and explain to her that the dad she never had a chance to know was a man of integrity, courage and conviction. He lived a life that my children can be very proud of. The naming of a park in Shawn's honor would be a physical reminder to my children that they are part of a larger community of love and support. Their lives will forever be touched by many special people working to fill the void created on the day their dad was killed. Shawn once shared with me that in his line of work he often met people in their worst moments, as the police are not usually called unless something is wrong. I remember one night he told me, "Jennifer, I meet people in the middle of chaotic situations and it is my goal to bring a sense of calm. It is my hope that somehow in the midst of the crisis, I can help." Shawn's story can be a positive example in the community of learning that it isn't how one dies that makes them a hero, but rather in how a person lives that a legacy is created. This park provides the opportunity to create a living legacy within the town of Lino Lakes by remembering the life of a man who worked to protect their community and significantly served the people by answering a simple call to help. His message is one of hope and purpose; a strong role model for our children and future generations to follow. Personally, for me and my children, we are honored, grateful and fully support a park named after Shawn. Thank you for your time and generosity this evening. Sincerely, Jennifer Silvera