By Gary Ogle
gogle@wbcowqel.com

This June’s “Cruisin’ with the Cops” car show got some high octane help on Tuesday from First Federal Community Bank in Bucyrus in the form of a substantial donation.

First Federal Executive Vice President Brad Murtiff presented a check for $2,500 to Bucyrus Police Chief David Koepke and Officer Jo Stahl. The local chapter of the Fraternal Order of Police has kept the car show going after the originators, the Crawford County Customs and Classics Car Club, declined to continue the popular “Graffiti Cruise” after 25 years.

“Speaking with Chief Koepke and Officer Stahl we felt it was important to continue a tradition that has been longstanding, certainly longer than I’ve been here and longer than most of us. It’s just a way to draw the community together,” Murtiff said. “Certainly, it was a great way to partner with the police and help them continue something that has been a staple of the community. It’s just a great fit. Our tagline is ‘Community is our middle name.’ When they expressed a need, we felt we had to jump in.”

The donation helps to supercharge the popular event many local car enthusiasts see as a Bucyrus tradition – parking and taking laps through downtown Bucyrus. The event has annually drawn thousands to downtown Bucyrus, many from out of town, to see the classic cars and hear the music of yesteryear.

“Lapping was a tradition in Bucyrus and the car show helped that endure, even if for just one day a year. Twenty-five years have come and gone and we hope it’s another 25 more of getting the town together downtown,” Koepke said. “The First Federal marquis is the talk of the town, if anything happens in Bucyrus you can find it on the marquis at First Federal. The car show on June 10 It will be front and center in front of the marquis. It’s great that they sponsor.”

The event will be held on Saturday, June 10 with day of registration for the cruise starting at 2 p.m. and lasting until 6 p.m. Judging will commence while cars are taking laps with trophies being presented at 8 p.m.

RELATED CONTENT: FOP steps up to continue Bucyrus car show tradition | Keep on cruisin’