Columbus honors public safety and Irish organizations at Proclamation Day ceremony

At a Proclamation Day ceremony at Columbus City Hall, organizers honored local Irish organizations, announced charitable beneficiaries for the parade, and presented Public Safety Awards to two frontline public servants.

Shamrock Club vice president Rich Finn and Shamrock Club president Pat Conley introduced member organizations and named honorees. The event listed charities to receive donations from participating groups, including Pilot Dogs for Veterans, the Open Shelter, the House Foundation, Holy Family Soup Kitchen, Purgatory Cat Rescue and others.

Megan Kilgore (auditor) and Judge Julia Dorian offered a remembrance for Hugh J. Dorian, a long-serving city employee and public servant; family members reflected on his decades of service and how proclamation day figures in the family’s public life.

Council member Emmanuel Rimi (Public Safety Chair) presented Public Safety Awards recognizing Officer Seth Browning for police service and Sean Malone for his long career in fire and emergency medical service. Rimi highlighted Browning’s local upbringing and Malone’s work advancing emergency medical response in Columbus.

Event organizers closed by asking attendees to assemble at Portman Plaza for a procession to Broad and High streets for shamrock painting ahead of the March 17 parade.

No formal votes or policy actions were taken at the ceremony; the program was ceremonial and focused on recognition and community fundraising.