ST. PATRICK'S DAY PARADE

As the 140th Cleveland St. Patrick's Day Parade stepped off today Lorain County was well represented by both the Elyria Police Department Color Guard and Grafton’s “Soldier’s of History”.

The Elyria Police Department Color Guard was born in 1997 after having been dormant for several years as part of a combined Elyria Safety Forces Color Guard. The Color Guard consists of active duty officers of the department. The unit has conducted duties for deceased active duty and retired officers and participates in community events, such as Elyria Memorial Day Parade, Cleveland’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade, as well as participation in The Greater Cleveland Peace Officer Memorial, Lorain County Peace Officer Memorial, and The Canadian National Peace Officer Memorial. In 2006, the unit traveled to Washington D.C. for The National Peace Officer Memorial. The group consists of 7 officers and is commanded by Sgt. D. Bermudez.

Both groups were placed in the first divison and with over 10,000 people taking part in this years parade, that’s pretty good. Police estimate that there were over 250,000 spectators, the largest crowd in the parade history. Cleveland is the 3rd largest St. Patrick's Day Parade in the United States.

To see more photos from the parade: CLICK HERE