No gavel was needed as the Butler County Law Enforcement Officers Association conducted its meeting Thursday at the Lyndora American Legion.

Before sharing a banquet-style meal, active and retired law enforcement officers, as well as associate members, carried out normal business.

One item on the list encouraged members to continue supporting the 100 Club, which represents a special fund within the nonprofit organization, according to Frank Cichra, the association's treasurer and secretary.

In the event of an officer's untimely death in the line of duty, the 100 Club's funds would be sent to the family to offset costs.

Member Joe Urish, a retired state police officer of 28 years, said there weren't any programs like it when he served, but now some larger departments have assistance for those families. He said some smaller departments don't have that kind of funding, and the 100 Club could help.

“We've seen things over the years, and we try to improve them,” Urish said.

Later, member Dan McKnight suggested that the group to consider honoring an Officer of the Year annually.

He said the collective of the county's police chiefs, sheriff and warden would each put forth an officer for consideration, and the association would select the winner.

Multiple members praised the idea during the meeting.

Though not a new idea, near the end of the meeting, two members of the Butler A.M. Rotary briefed the officers on the status of its Butler County First Responders Memorial project.

In Alameda Park, the Rotary club plans to build a monument that includes the names of first responders — such as police officers, firefighters and EMS — who died in the line of duty.

“Our intent of coming tonight is to make you aware of this,” said Lisa Campbell, the club's project committee chairperson.

The Rotary club currently has eight names for the memorial, but Campbell encouraged the association's members to submit names if others should also be added. At least one other name was offered openly.

Jeff Geibel, Rotarian in charge, said fundraising efforts for the project have raised $68,000 of its $120,000 total. Printed donation requests were handed out to all the members before the meeting.

Geibel said it made sense to bring the project to the association's attention.

“We want to recognize those who have given their lives,” he said.

Following the meeting and the meal, members turned their attention to the drawings for a gun raffle, 50-50 and other door prizes.

According to Cichra, these types of activities, as well as community donations, generate funds which are then handed out to deserving charities or help fund the association's scholarship.

“These members are very giving,” said Paul Chmara, an associate member. “They're really excellent people.”

Chmara said his daughter was once a recipient of the scholarship. He said 25 years ago, he joined the association because many of his friends were police officers.

One of those friends is Bob Goetz, an officer of 39 years, retiring with Jackson Township.

Goetz said the meetings have gravitated toward the social aspect, but the gatherings had a more strategic purpose when he joined the first one 59 years ago.

“We had a deal where every month officers would come together and exchange information,” Goetz said. “Back then you didn't have the capabilities you have today.”

Goetz said as technology made work and communication between departments easier, the association began evolving into its current form, including the addition of associate members and life members.

In the association, life members are people who may not have served in law enforcement, but they may have served as district judges or district attorneys or served on the association's board.

According to a report at the meeting, the organization currently has 166 active or retired members, as well as 66 life members. Officers interested in joining can call Cichra at 724-968-6659.

“A lot of pillars of the community belong to this association,” Goetz said.