WHEELING — Amid a drug crisis, an increase in crime, and changing perceptions toward police officers, Ohio County Circuit Judge Michael Olejasz thought it best Wednesday to ask the county’s law enforcement officers to stop and take a breath.

Olejasz was the guest speaker as the Wheeling Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 38 celebrated Law Day.

The event was held at Generations in Wheeling.

Olejasz, appointed to the bench in December after a long career in criminal justice, was recognized by Ohio County Sheriff Tom Howard at the dinner. He was introduced by Steve Mazure as a 25-year member of the FOP, a former Wheeling Police officer who left to pursue private practice as an attorney and now a circuit judge.

Olejasz addressed the gathered crowd of a few dozen people, saying that he had no theme for his speech, but instead deferred to the efforts of law enforcement officers and governmental representatives who work to ensure justice can be served.

“Looking out at this crowd, I see a lot of lot of brothers and sisters of the lodge, but others here are our greatest allies,” he said.

“We’re here tonight not only for recognition, but also for fellowship. Now more than ever, with what law enforcement is dealing with on the streets, with the attitudes so prevalent against police officers, as well as the outrageous drug crisis that they deal with, it’s harder than ever. I think you all need this fellowship, and need this relationship.”

Following Olejasz’s speech and recognition, Mazure was surprised by his own recognition, as Howard described him as “a man who’s always been here for us, always dedicating his time, never questioning it,” before introducing him as an award recipient.

“Steve always volunteers his time, comes in here and talks, makes sure we all have a good time,” Howard said.

Pastor Sonny Croft, who gave the benediction and closed with a prayer, spoke on how law enforcement officers must answer the Biblical Cain’s rhetorical question in Genesis and be “my brother’s keeper,” being prepared to offer support to their brothers on the force. Deteriorating mental health, tied to the myriad tragedies officers encounter claimed the lives of many of Croft’s friends, he said, and he asked that those gathered be vigilant to be ready to reach out when necessary.

“We certainly should be,” Croft said. “Each one of us has the responsibility to support each other. … We miss the mark many times, not because we don’t care, but because we don’t know the warning signs. It’s no shame in asking for help. You know what the shame is? Going to an unnecessary funeral.”

Croft spoke in vivid detail of the horrors encountered in the line of duty, from the stare of a corpse still looking at an officer, to a child trying to get their dead mother to wake up, to infants at the scene of a car accident, the car seat ejected from the vehicle.

“It’s okay to not be okay. It’s okay to ask for help. Are we our brother’s keeper? Yes, we are. We have to be. If you know someone struggling, take them aside. Sometimes all they need is a shoulder.”