Ontario Police Department Fund

(Photo: Merris Welge at the podium along with O.P.D. officers.)

Merris and Jean Welge have always had an interest in helping law enforcement in any way they can. 

Merris worked in Downtown Mansfield for 25 years, where he saw firsthand how hard local police worked. He always admired how they put themselves at risk every day for the safety of their community. 

The Welges want local law enforcement to know that they appreciate them and their dedication to their community. The family’s vision is this fund will prompt members of the community to get involved in assisting local law enforcement in any way they are able.

The Welges first set up a fund for the Ontario Police Department in 2016. Money from the fund has been used to build a memorial to police officers at Ontario City Hall. 

The Welges continued by creating a fund for the Mansfield Police Department in 2017, and then the Richland County Sheriff’s Fund in 2019. All three funds were made possible through the family working with the Richland County Foundation.

Brady Groves, President of the Richland County Foundation, expressed his admiration for the Welge family, stating "Merris and Jean are leaders in creating a mechanism for people who want to support law enforcement in other ways than taxes. They recognize the importance of law enforcement in our community.”

The police chiefs and sheriff work with the Foundation to allocate grants from the funds.