Mark Prawel has long been committed to serving Medina community

Editor:

To the voters of the Village of Medina, I would like to express how important this upcoming Village Election is on March 19. As a former village resident, we have gone far too long without having true contested elections with a candidate pool as strong as the current choices.

One candidate in particular I would like to voice my support for is Mark Prawel, my father. My father was always meant to serve his community. He wanted to give back to the community so much that he first got into law enforcement over three decades ago on a volunteer basis with the Orleans County Auxiliary Police and eventually transitioning into a Special Deputy Role with the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office.

When former Police Chief Jose Avila asked my father to join the Police Department in 2007, my father knew it wouldn’t be easy; he was 37 years old. He put himself through the part-time police academy while juggling a young family at home and managing a business. Take it from me, someone who went through the very same academy at age 23, the fact that he did what he did at the age of 37 is truly remarkable, but it isn’t a surprise to anyone that really knows my father. Even when told he couldn’t do something, my father fought through the blood, sweat, and tears and proved his doubters wrong.

He proudly served the Village of Medina for over 16 years working over night shifts every Friday and Saturday night (and Thursdays in the beginning of his career) all while balancing the business and our family. My father never looked for any thanks or recognition for this, he was just honored that he could do his part. My father retired from Medina Police Department in 2023 at the age of 52 years old and, at the time, being in the top three oldest road patrol officers serving in the county.

On top of serving the community in the law enforcement roles, my father has continued to carry forward the precedent set by my grandfather with running a fair and honest vehicle repair shop for the last four decades; while also being a trustworthy person that people can talk to and feel heard.

At the end of the day, Mark Prawel truly embodies the spirit of Medina; someone who puts Medina before himself and wants to give back in any way that he can. He has lived in Medina his whole life and given back to the community in one way or another his whole life. He knows Medina as much as anyone possibly could. He is my role model that has inspired me to give back to my community and I know that he will serve you all well as a Trustee if given the opportunity.

I ask that you consider supporting Mark Prawel on Election Day, March 19, and keep Medina going in the positive direction that we all know it can. Thank you!

Matthew Prawel

Gaines (formerly of Medina)