Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
NORTH WEBSTER - This year's Mermaid Festival parade at North Webster will be dedicated to the memory of Phillip Hochstetler, a detective sergeant with the Kosciusko County Sheriff's Department who was killed in the line of duty June 29, 1994.
The decision to make the dedication was a cooperative effort between the North Webster Lions Club and local law enforcement agencies.
As part of the dedication, the first division of the parade - emergency vehicles - will proceed silently. Emergency lights will be activated, but no sirens or air horns will be sounded.
The American Legion Color Guard will lead the parade, followed by the Elkhart County Police Color Guard, a riderless horse led by a member of the St. Joseph County Sheriff's Posse, and Sheriff Al Rovenstine's car in which Hochstetler's three sons will be riding.
When the parade reaches the intersection of Washington and Main streets, all officers will exit their vehicles, stand and salute while the national anthem is sung a cappella. An announcement of the dedication will then be made, followed by a poem and "Taps."
The parade will then continue its silent running.
