By By JOHN EBY / Dowagiac Daily News
CASSOPOLIS - Cass County commissioners were filled with resolve Thursday night.
For the county's 9,300 older Americans.
For police.
For arson awareness.
This year marks the 40th anniversary of passage of the Older Americans Act by Congress.
A COA open house from 3 to 6 p.m. May 12 will celebrate Claudia Bridges' 25 years of service.
The public is invited to attend to wish her well and to thank her for her service to the community.
Bridges has served Cass County residents through her work at the COA and will be retiring this month.
She is currently director of human resources and volunteer services and has worked in many other capacities through the years.
Bridges will be honored at the open house with a presentation by the COA board of directors at 4 p.m. May 12.
The COA is located at M-60 and Decatur Road, east of Cassopolis.
Congress and President Bush designated May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day and May 15-21 as National Police Week. "Your continued support means a lot to the officers," said Sheriff Joseph M. Underwood. Peace Officers'
Memorial Day will be observed locally in honor of Deputy Shane Britton, who lost his life in the line of duty on July 19, 2000.