Paulding, Ohio-Final details have now been decided in regards to the memorial service for Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Randall Smith. Smith was a victim of the July 16th shootings at the Navy/Marine Center in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Smith was originally from Paulding.
Doors will open for the memorial at 9:30 a.m. Saturday August 1st. There will be two entrances to the event; one off of Emerald Road and one off of Water Street. “Everyone attending this service will walk through metal detectors, said Sheriff Landers. Safety of the people attending this memorial is my number one concern. I suggest everyone leave their handbags and large purses in their vehicles. All attendees and bags will be subject to search. Absolutely no weapons will be allowed on the school property.”
For folks interested in riding their motorcycle with the multiple support clubs, there will be a staging area at the First Christian Church located at 1233 Emerald Road Paulding, Ohio beginning at 9:00 a.m. The motorcycles will depart from the church at 10:00 a.m. The motorcycle route will travel south from the church on Emerald Road to Caroline Street; turn west to Water Street and then north on Water Street to their designated parking lot.
“I look forward to a large turnout from our citizens to show their respect for Petty Officer Smith and his family, said Sheriff Landers. Parking is going to be our biggest issue to overcome due to the construction in the immediate area.”
The media staging lot will be the northwest corner of Caroline Street & Water Street. Media will enter the lot off of Caroline Street. You will need to provide your credentials at the Sheriff’s Command Truck and receive a media pass to enter the media area in the gymnasium. If you do not intend to be in the designated media area in the gymnasium, you will not need a media pass.
