Fallen Springdale officer's hometown honors her life

WYOMING, Ohio (WKRC) - If you're driving around Wyoming, you're going to see homemade blue hearts in people's windows, on doors, even in chalk on the sidewalk. They are symbols of solidarity for fallen Springdale Officer Kaia Grant.

"She was smart and bright and very bubbly and a very attentive, good student," said Alan Kabakoff.

Kabakoff taught Officer Grant at the police academy. Now he has a poster and a blue light on his porch in her honor.

Next-door neighbor Beth Lazarus is allowing her children to make their own memorial.

"Because it's kind of sad when people in their family pass away, and I want them to be happy," said Beth's daughter Aada Lazarus, showing her support with some chalk artwork for Officer Grant.

"There's a lot of ways that you can communicate, through something as simple as chalk, honoring somebody who passed away in the line of service, saying hi to your neighbor, supporting your governor. It's elementary, but it's positive and it's working," said Beth.

April Robels started the movement because she knows not as many families can leave their houses right now to pay their respects.

"Everyone has a heart to give and a light to shine, and anything that we can do to pay tribute to Officer Grant, I'm really proud of our community for," said Robels.

Blue hearts will be seen along the procession that will pass Wyoming High School. So people can stay engaged from a distance, the Springdale Police Department plans to livestream the services.

"I saw tweets from the Boston Police Department, from Florida police departments. So we've received support nationwide whether or not they come here, especially under the circumstances, I don't know. I welcome them; we'll keep them safe. We'll keep them at a distance," said Officer Keenan Riordan with the Springdale Police Department.

Families are encouraged to watch from their yards or porches. The Lazarus family will be watching, flags in hand.

"She's not going to be forgotten," said Beth.

After Officer Grant's procession comes through Wyoming, it will continue to the Vineyard Church where they will hold a celebration of her life.

Sgt. Andy Davis was seriously injured the night Officer Grant was killed. Davis is doing better, but not yet back to work.