Columbus proclaims April 28 as appreciation day for police and district attorney's office after decade-old murder case conviction

Mayor Skip Henderson opened the council meeting by presenting a proclamation honoring the Columbus Police Department and the District Attorney's Office for their roles in prosecuting a 10-year-old homicide. The proclamation, read by Councilor Byron Hickey, described the case as a "heavy lift" that required sustained investigation, return of retired personnel and coordinated work between investigators and prosecutors.

Assistant District Attorney George Lipkcom and Assistant DA Crawford Seals thanked officers and prosecutors who worked the case; retired Sergeant Ken Hudson and several current detectives were recognized for providing testimony and support that helped bring the prosecution to trial. Chief Matthysse and other Columbus Police Department leaders accepted the proclamation on behalf of the department.

Council members praised the interagency cooperation as an example of public-safety work that strengthens public trust. The proclamation reads in part that the resolution recognizes "the professionalism, perseverance, and service demonstrated by all involved in this effort." The council gave the honorees an opportunity to speak and invited them to the dais to accept the document and receive applause.

The recognition was symbolic only; no formal policy or budget action accompanied the proclamation. Council members said the award was meant to acknowledge the agencies' long-term work on complex investigations and to highlight partnerships between law enforcement and the prosecutor's office.