American Legion presents $5,000 donation to Columbiana Police Department

Representatives of the American Legion presented a $5,000 donation to the Columbiana Police Department during the Nov. 18 meeting of the Columbiana City Council.

An American Legion representative, identified in the transcript as Ernest Thomas, said on the council chamber floor, "we want to present a check of $5,000 to the Columbiana Police Department for all that they do and how safe they keep us." The donation was made publicly and photos were taken with council members and city staff.

Mayor (name not specified) and other council members thanked the Legion for the gift and praised the police department. The mayor said the department’s officers are "quality people" and called the donation an example of community support for local public safety. Lance, the city manager, acknowledged the Legion’s work and noted past service by Dan Becker, a longtime Legion and council participant.

The presenters gave their names for the record; the transcript lists Ernest Thomas and Wayne Kinnard among those representing the American Legion. The council accepted the donation and offered public appreciation; no formal vote or action item was required to receive the gift during the meeting.

The donation will be used to support the department’s community-facing activities, including staffing for events such as the street fair, which the Legion speaker cited as an example of police-community partnership. Council members noted the donation in the meeting minutes.