By Dale
Huffman
Dayton Daily News, April 18, 2005
www.daytondailynews.com
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in June of 1993 I was on hand at the Mandalay Banquet Center when
the musical group known as Knight Blaze performed in public for the
first time.
Actually,
a number of the readers of this column had submitted dozens of names
which were passed along to the founders of the band, who eventually
felt Knight Blaze was a name that would stick. It has. And the group
is still going strong.
The rock
band is made up of Miami Valley police officers and firefighters who
share two things, a love of making music, and helping inspire young
people to lead decent lives.
"We are
still together after these years of performing for school children
and appearing at public safety events," said Don Parker, a police
officer with Centerville police and a bass guitar player in the band.
"Some schools have dropped the D.A.R.E. programs which we supported,
but we are still being called on, we are still in demand."
The band
is scheduled for a major performance at 11 a.m. on April 27 in Kuss
Auditorium at the Clark State Performing Arts Center, 300 S. Fountain
Ave., in Springfield.
"Clark
County Sheriff Gene Kelly has agreed to be on hand to introduce the
band and talk to the kids, and we expect young people from schools
all over the area to be bused to the concert," Parker said. "We stage
a high charged event and we are still using music to help change lives."
Knight
Blaze was formed three years after Dayton police introduced a band
called Cop'rz (which our readers also helped name) and the premise
of both groups has been the same.
If young
people "rock" with police officers and firefighters, have fun with
them, trust them and talk to them, young lives may be influenced positively,
and perhaps saved.
The members
of the band have rotated over the years, and safety officials taking
part give up off-duty hours for rehearsal time. Current members of
Knight Blaze include, in addition to Parker, Kendra Bryant of Moraine
police, the band manager and vocalist; April Tobias of Huber Heights
police on vocals; Gerry Gustin of Huber Heights police on drums, and
backup vocals; Mike Schuder of Huber Heights fire department on guitar
and vocals; Jamie Faulkner of Trotwood police on the keyboard, and
vocals; and Richard Palmer, a Washington Twp. firefighter, on guitar,
synthesizer and vocals.
Palmer,
a fire and safety educator since 1991, has also written and arranged
some of the music the band performs. "The retention of messages delivered
through music can be quite effective," Palmer said. "Music is a tremendous
vehicle for presenting safety education messages."
Parker
added: "Because peer pressure is such a large factor in how children
develop their habits and attitudes, Knight Blaze promotes having a
good time without the use of drugs and alcohol. Our message is sincere."
Cop
rock continues to roll