On June 7, 2023, a fire was intentionally set to a Merry-Go-Round at the Rotary Centennial Playground at McKinley Park. This playground was built to be an inclusive space for everyone to enjoy, including those with all kinds of abilities. The Marion Community came together to build this playground for Marion children to use for decades. “For someone to cause such significant damage to a brand-new playground that all of us in Marion are proud of is something that this community cannot tolerate.That is why members Fraternal Order of Police are offering a reward of $2,500 for information that leads to the arrest of the person or persons responsible for this terrible crime” said FOP 24 President Jim Fitsko.
President Fitsko also encourages other community organizations to contribute to the reward fund. Those interested in pledging resources to the reward fund can contact FOP 24 Secretary April Short at ashort@co.marion.oh.us to offer assistance.
Anyone with information related to this investigation is asked to contact the Marion County Combined Dispatch Center at 740-387-2525. Tips can be forwarded to investigators anonymously by calling the tips line at 740-375-TIPS (8477) or by visiting www.mariontips.org. You must leave a way to contact you back in order to be eligible for the reward.