Q: Tell us about the Guy E. Rohrer, Jr., Memorial Scholarship Fund. What do you think your father would have thought about this fund?
A: The fund provides scholarships to assist the children and grandchildren of active and retired Dayton Police Department officers in their college education. My stepmother, Roberta, wanted a way to preserve dad's memory through education, as he always stressed being able to better yourself by being as educated as possible. We raise money for the scholarship through donations from the Fraternal Order of Police, family members and friends.
Dad was a great father, grandfather and police officer. He loved his profession and the city he served. I know he would be proud of the fact that so many other officers’ children have had the opportunity to further their education as a result of this fund.
Q: It’s often said that serving as a police officer or fireman runs in a family. This is true in your family, correct?
A: In my case, being a policeman definitely runs in the family. Besides dad, I had five cousins on the Rohrer side of the family who were police officers. I tried other jobs before making the decision to pursue law enforcement. I think it's more of a calling than anything else. It's hard to describe, but it was the best decision of my life. I have never doubted the decision to serve.
Q: Do you have a particular memory while serving as an officer when you felt that your work really made a difference?
A: When I was assigned to the Homicide Squad, we worked an emotional case where a five-year-old girl was murdered by her mother. After the mother was convicted, the girl's father shook my hand and thanked me. It was amazing. My kids were young at the time, and I know how hard it would've been for me to deal with such a tragedy. The father was so thankful and sincere. It really made me aware of the impact that my work had on the people that I swore to protect.
Q: How have you been spending your time since retiring in 2007?
A: I worked for the University of Dayton Department of Public Safety for about two years, and then I started working for Miami Valley Hospital as an investigator in 2009. Since both of our boys are out of the house, my wife and I enjoy trying new restaurants and spending time with friends who are also "empty nesters." Our oldest son, Tyler, graduated this year from Ohio University and is working in Dublin, Ohio, and our youngest son, Cameron, is a senior at Xavier University,
Q: We’re you born and raised in Dayton?
A: Yes, in fact when I was born, I was the fifth of five living generations of Daytonians. We were on the front page of the newspaper.
Q: What inspires you about the Dayton community?
A: I think the biggest inspiration about my hometown is the fact that many generations keep coming home. While our population has diminished in numbers, the quality of our citizens has not. With the resurgence of our downtown area, and the younger generation revitalizing our inner city, I'm hopeful that we continue to grow as a community.
Q: How does The Dayton Foundation help you help others?
A: They do so much of the legwork in maintaining our fund, keeping us informed through newsletters and publications, and assisting in the scholarship selection process. The staff at the Foundation are true professionals and such a valuable asset to the Dayton community.
Q: Why should others give to the community?
A: Other should give for a very simple reason. We have to take care of our future, and our future is our children. There are so many gifted kids out there who just need a chance to show the world what they are made of. By giving, we can make dreams come true for our future generations.
Q: How would you complete this sentence, “My giving makes me feel____”?
A: … like I have given somebody else a chance to make a change in their life and in the lives of others.
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