Lake County Blue Coats, Inc.

06/20/2026

Mission BBQ continues to be a strong supporter of the Lake County Blue Coats, Inc. and is the local charity of choice for the Mentor location. You can find a listing of the charities they support by clicking on the Giving Back tab on their website. National organizations are listed first, then a state by state listing of local charities. Attached is a screen shot of the Ohio page showing the Blue Coats logo. We urge you to patronize Mission BBQ as they walk the walk to fulfill their mission of support for our military and first responders, nationwide.

06/13/2026

Today, we join with his family and friends to commemorate the fifth anniversary of the death of retired Mentor Fire Lieutenant James Pero. Pero passed away from a disease which was the result of his duties as a firefighter and determined, through the Ohio SB 27 - Michael Louis Palumbo, Jr Act, to have been contracted in the course of, and arising out of, his employment as a firefighter. First responders often suffer from diseases which are the result of their occupation. During his career, James had been employed by the Willoughby Hills and Mentor Fire Departments. He was also a veteran, having served in the U.S. Army. .We are grateful for the sacrifices Lieutenant Pero made in service to us all.

05/10/2026

This week through May 16 is designated as National Police Week culminating on Friday, May 15, which is National Police Officer Memorial Day.
Each May, our nation comes together to honor the courage, sacrifice and dedication of law enforcement officers. Originally established in 1962, by the presidential proclamation of President John F. Kennedy, National Police Week includes Peace Officers Memorial Day on May 15th and a week of observances recognizing officers who given their lives in the line of duty, as well as those who continue to serve and protect our communities with dedication and courage.
Please join the Lake County Blue Coats as we recognize out dedicated law enforcement officers. On Friday, May 15th, join us as we remember the lives and the ultimate sacrifice made by the thousands of officers who gave lost their lives in the line of duty. We must never forget them.
Pictured is the Greater Cleveland Peace Officer Memorial located in Huntington Park at West Third snd Lakeside in downtown Cleveland. The names of nearly 200 northeast Ohio law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty, are inscribed on the black granite columns as a solemn and lasting tribute to them.

04/29/2026

The door is quickly closing. In just over 28 hours, at midnight tomorrow, the deadline for submitting applications for the Lake County Blue Coats Scholarships will be here. Eligible students need to apply as soon as possible. Go to lakecountybluecoats.com to apply. Don’t miss out on this opportunity.

Since 1966, Lake County Bluecoats has provided moral and financial support to their first responders and their families. Learn about our mission, events, and how you can help.

04/23/2026

Don’t miss out on this opportunity. Only 7 days left until all applications for the Blue Coats scholarships must be submitted.
If you are an active law enforcement officer, firefighter, or dispatcher in Lake County, your college bound child is eligible to apply for a Lake County Blue Coats scholarship for the 2026-2027 school year. We currently award six $2000 scholarships a year to deserving students. They can apply at lakecountybluecoats.com. Click on scholarships, scroll past the recent winners list and get to the application. After filling it out, attach a letter or essay, and submit. Our committee reviews the applications and selects our yearly winners. Best of luck to all.

Since 1966, Lake County Bluecoats has provided moral and financial support to their first responders and their families. Learn about our mission, events, and how you can help.

04/15/2026

The Lake County Blue Coats want to acknowledge the work of our dispatchers during National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week.
Our dispatchers are a vital part of our safety forces chain. They are the faceless but calming voice when that frantic 911 call comes in. Their ability to access a situation, determine the severity of it, and determine the proper response, is a vital part in determining the outcome of these events. Thank you to all of our dispatchers for the often thankless job you do. You all work to make our communities better places.

04/12/2026

The cut off date for applying for the Lake County Blue Coats college scholarships is April 30. No late submissions are accepted. Children of First Responders employed in Lake County are eligible to apply for a $2000 scholarship. 6 scholarships will be awarded. Don’t miss out on this opportunity. Applications are accepted via out web site:

Since 1966, Lake County Bluecoats has provided moral and financial support to their first responders and their families. Learn about our mission, events, and how you can help.

03/22/2026

Join the Lake County Blue Coats as we remember Willoughby Police Lieutenant Joyce Robbin Moore, on March 22nd , the 71st anniversary of his line of duty death.

Lieutenant Moore, was instantly killed when he picked up a live high-tension wire carrying 4600 volts. The Lieutenant was answering a call of a downed wire on Maple Street. The wire was blown down by very high winds and Moore apparently thought the line was dead.

We must never forget those who have sacrificed their lives in service to our fellow man. The Lake County Blue Coats will strive to keep the memory of heroes like Lieutenant Moore alive.

03/11/2026

A gigantic thank you to the team at the Mentor location of Mission BBQ for another generous donation from the sales of their Hometown Hero cups. Mission BBQ has been, and continues to be, a major contributor to the Lake County Blue Coats, Inc, and we are so grateful for their support. We encourage our friends to patronize their establishment, and thank them for their support of the Blue Coats.
Pictured below are the team members who presented the ceremonial check to President John Rogers. Presenting the actual check was Mission BBQ Community Ambassador Devone Lansing. Also present was team member and a 2025-2026 Blue Coats scholarship winner, Joshua Smelcer. Congratulations to Joshua, and good luck continuing your educational journey.

03/06/2026

The 2026 Lake County Blue Coats Dinner is now in the books. Marty LaMalfa and his team provided a beautiful venue and a scrumptious buffet to over 130 guests. After dinner, the latest six scholarship winners were announced and our guest speakers, LeAnne Suchanek, Director of the Lake County Crime Lab, and Dr. Kent Caserta, who works in Lake County as a forensic dentist, gave talks on their areas of expertice. Then came the highlight of the evening, the awarding of the Jorge Medina Distinguished Service Award. This year we honored Painesville Township Firefighters, Lt. Kevin Falvey and FF Matthew Watson and Mentor Patrolman Ryan Heramb. These men saved the lives of victims at great personal risk. The guests provided a standing ovation in recognition of their bravery.
We are grateful to all who attended in support of the work of the Lake County Blue Coats. We welcome new members and sponsorships and look forward to seeing all of our supporters at next year’s ceremony.