Mayor Scott Schertzer and Interim Marion Police Chief Jay McDonald were honored to join Dr. Dalsukh Madia for a presentation in recognition of our area law enforcement officers on Friday December 18th at the Marion County Building. Mayor Schertzer and Interim Chief McDonald were joined by Maj. Christie Utley of the Marion County Sheriff’s Office and Steve Young Memorial Lodge FOP President, Lt. Jim Fitsko in receiving a generous donation made on behalf of Dr. Madia.
“Dr. Madia reached out to me and expressed his desire to recognize the service and sacrifice of our local law enforcement heroes and it was my pleasure to honor that request”, said Mayor Schertzer. "The men and women who serve this community deserve to be recognized for all they do to keep us safe and I am appreciative that Dr. Madia has stepped forward to do just that", Mayor Schertzer said.
At the presentation on Friday, Dr. Madia donated the equivalent of $50 in gift cards for each MPD Officer and MCSO Deputy to the Marion Fraternal Order of Police. Those funds will be divided up and dispersed by the FOP to a total of 100 area law enforcement officers.
“Our command staff appreciates the bravery, dedication and commitment shown by our officers every day, but particularly under the challenging conditions presented over these last nine months”, said Interim Chief McDonald. “It is truly heartening to see that a long-standing resident of Dr. Madia’s stature also recognizes the critical role that these officers play in our community”.
President Fitsko, of the Fraternal Order of Police, thanks Dr. Madia and all those who support our local law enforcement officers. "The Deputies at the Sheriff's Office and the Officers at the Police Department are extremely grateful for the support of the community and this gesture means the world to all of us", said Fitsko.
During the short ceremony, Dr. Madia was quick to give credit to his wife Ila for coming up with this idea of giving back during such a challenging year. “We need to recognize them (police officers) and how important they are for the community, for us and for everybody”, said Dr. Madia. The Madias have also supported a handful of other charities and organizations during this holiday season, including area food banks.
Dr. Madia joined the Smith Clinic Staff in 1978 and completed a fifty-year medical career as an Anesthesiologist in 2014. Through the years, Dr. Madia held the position of Chief of Staff at both Med Center and Marion General hospitals, also serving numerous years on both hospital boards. Dr. Madia was appointed to the state medical board as a member from 2006-2013 and served as the state board president from 2010-2011. Dr. Madia and his wife, Dr. Ila Madia reside in Marion.