CITY OF BEACHWOOD'S HOMETOWN HEROES-2026
Obediah J. Cooper was born on March 13, 1759 and died on Aug. 20, 1851. He was a Sergeant in the Revolutionary War. He was part of the New York Regiment. He was not only a soldier of 1776, but he is one of our founding families of Beachwood Ohio.
Timothy Holsted was born in 1765 and died on April 5, 1839. He was part of Hodge's Company in the 5th Connecticut Regiment during the Revolutionary War. He too was a soldier of 1776. He came to what we now call Ohio and settled in Warrensville Township that became Beachwood Ohio. Both Obediah and Timothy are buried in our Beachwood Cemetery off of Green Road.
Exciting new! New gravestones have been given to our Cemetery, thanks to the Veterans Affairs to honor these two brave soldiers. Be sure to visit the Beachwood Cemetery as you celebrate our 250th Anniversary of American Independence. Honor Obediah and Timothy who are Veterans and Heroes. They fought for independence, helped build a new nation, and then made their way west in search of a fresh start. Now, more than two centuries later, Ohioans have a chance to help rediscover their stories. This is a unique opportunity to connect with Ohio's rich history and ensure that the sacrifices of these patriots are remembered for generations to come. Obediah and Timothy received their land after the War and settled in this area that we now call Beachwood, Ohio.
Visit: https://www.ohiohistory.org/preserving-ohio/history-preservation-where-you-live/revwarvet-graves/
Timothy Holsted was born in 1765 and died on April 5, 1839. He was part of Hodge's Company in the 5th Connecticut Regiment during the Revolutionary War. He too was a soldier of 1776. He came to what we now call Ohio and settled in Warrensville Township that became Beachwood Ohio. Both Obediah and Timothy are buried in our Beachwood Cemetery off of Green Road.
Exciting new! New gravestones have been given to our Cemetery, thanks to the Veterans Affairs to honor these two brave soldiers. Be sure to visit the Beachwood Cemetery as you celebrate our 250th Anniversary of American Independence. Honor Obediah and Timothy who are Veterans and Heroes. They fought for independence, helped build a new nation, and then made their way west in search of a fresh start. Now, more than two centuries later, Ohioans have a chance to help rediscover their stories. This is a unique opportunity to connect with Ohio's rich history and ensure that the sacrifices of these patriots are remembered for generations to come. Obediah and Timothy received their land after the War and settled in this area that we now call Beachwood, Ohio.
Visit: https://www.ohiohistory.org/preserving-ohio/history-preservation-where-you-live/revwarvet-graves/
Beachwood Fire Chief Steven Holtzman announced the department's 2025 Firefighter of the Year, Mike Holtzman. He was honored during the Jan. 20 City Council meeting with family and friends present. The Beachwood Fire Department's Officer Corps votes to select the Firefighter of the Year. Mike is the nephew of Chief Steve Holtzman, who does not have a vote in naming the department’s Firefighter of the Year. Mike began his firefighting career immediately after high school, joining the Elyria Township Fire Department in 2001. In 2006, he advanced to a full-time position with the Sheffield Village Fire Department before bringing his experience and leadership to the Beachwood Fire Department in 2010. Over the past 15 years in Beachwood, Mike has served several critical roles, including assignments with the Regional SWAT Team and the Regional Technical Rescue Team. He currently serves on the department’s Training Committee, helping ensure the highest standards of readiness and safety. Mike holds several certifications, including firefighter, paramedic, instructor, live fire instructor, and fire safety inspector. Even on his days off, he continues to give back, working as a safety instructor at Lorain County Joint Vocational School, where he helps train high school students to become the next generation of firefighters. Mike was honored alongside his wife, Anne, of 17 years, and his sons, Aaron and Brandon.
Kevin Owens is a true Hometown Hero for the City of Beachwood. He serves as the President (Grand Commander) of the International Order of Alhambra, Inc. within the Cleveland Catholic Diocese. Through this leadership role, Kevin directs efforts that support children and adults with special needs and disabilities. Guided by his belief that “serving others is one of the most important ways to serve God,” he has dedicated himself to creating meaningful opportunities for those often overlooked.
Under Kevin’s leadership, the organization and its longtime members continue its tradition of actively supporting impactful programs and institutions including Camp Cheerful, Julie Billart School, the Rose-Mary Center, and New Avenues. He also contributes to initiatives such as Miracle League baseball, helping provide inclusive recreational opportunities. Beyond participation, Kevin has strengthened the organization operationally—modernizing its social media presence, improving its website, and enhancing fundraising efforts to expand its reach and effectiveness. His leadership has resulted in increased engagement, stronger community partnerships, and sustained support for individuals with disabilities.
Kevin’s commitment to service extends far beyond this organization. He began his law enforcement career with the Cleveland Heights Police Department in 1990 and joined the Beachwood Police Department in July 1995. Over more than three decades in policing, he has responded to an immeasurable volume and range of calls—from routine service calls and traffic enforcement to complex and high-risk felony incidents. His experience reflects a career built on consistency, professionalism, and sound judgment.
As his career progressed, Kevin earned certification as a Master Criminal Investigator through OPOTA and was promoted through the ranks—Detective, Sergeant, and ultimately Lieutenant. He currently serves in an administrative leadership role under Chief Daniel Grispino, where he supervises a significant portion of the patrol division. His responsibilities include oversight of personnel, operational productivity tracking, management of the department’s Automated External Defibrillator (AED) program, and serving as the department’s Business Liaison Officer.
Kevin’s impact within the department is both strategic and lasting. In 1999, he was assigned by Chief Sechrist to develop and implement the department’s Automated Defibrillator Program, which was deployed in 2000 and remains active today. That program has directly contributed to life-saving outcomes in the field. In the early 2000s, with the support of Chief Sechrist and in collaboration with Lt. Tom Wetzel, Kevin helped develop a children’s online safety program—demonstrating early leadership in addressing emerging digital threats.
Kevin was also selected to serve as part of the initial group assigned to the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, a partnership involving the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office and the Cleveland Division of the FBI. During his nearly three years in that role, he received specialized training and certification in digital forensic evidence and the investigation of crimes against children in online environments—work that required precision, resilience, and a strong moral compass.
In his current role as Business Liaison Officer, Kevin maintains active relationships with key stakeholders across the city, including financial institutions, major businesses such as Beachwood Place Mall and Master Builders, residential high-rises, and local religious organizations. His work helps bridge public safety and community engagement, ensuring open communication and proactive problem-solving.
Kevin has also contributed to the department’s modernization efforts, assisting Chief Grispino in the design of new department challenge coins and the redesign of police vehicle graphics—further reflecting pride, professionalism, and identity within the agency.
While building a distinguished career in law enforcement and community service, Kevin simultaneously achieved both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees, demonstrating a commitment to continuous personal and professional development.
Equally significant is Kevin’s role outside of his profession. He is a devoted husband and father of three daughters. Over the past decade, he also served as the primary caregiver for his mother, who lived with dementia for ten years before her passing in July 2025 at the age of 87. In addition, he spent the last seven years caring for his 96-year-old cousin until her passing in March 2026. These responsibilities required extraordinary patience, compassion, and sacrifice. Through it all, Kevin remained committed to his career and his community—supported by the strength of his wife and grounded in his faith.
Kevin Owens exemplifies steady, selfless leadership. His impact is not defined by a single act, but by decades of consistent service—quietly improving lives, strengthening his community, and leading by example.
Kevin truly represents the meaning of a Hometown Hero.
Under Kevin’s leadership, the organization and its longtime members continue its tradition of actively supporting impactful programs and institutions including Camp Cheerful, Julie Billart School, the Rose-Mary Center, and New Avenues. He also contributes to initiatives such as Miracle League baseball, helping provide inclusive recreational opportunities. Beyond participation, Kevin has strengthened the organization operationally—modernizing its social media presence, improving its website, and enhancing fundraising efforts to expand its reach and effectiveness. His leadership has resulted in increased engagement, stronger community partnerships, and sustained support for individuals with disabilities.
Kevin’s commitment to service extends far beyond this organization. He began his law enforcement career with the Cleveland Heights Police Department in 1990 and joined the Beachwood Police Department in July 1995. Over more than three decades in policing, he has responded to an immeasurable volume and range of calls—from routine service calls and traffic enforcement to complex and high-risk felony incidents. His experience reflects a career built on consistency, professionalism, and sound judgment.
As his career progressed, Kevin earned certification as a Master Criminal Investigator through OPOTA and was promoted through the ranks—Detective, Sergeant, and ultimately Lieutenant. He currently serves in an administrative leadership role under Chief Daniel Grispino, where he supervises a significant portion of the patrol division. His responsibilities include oversight of personnel, operational productivity tracking, management of the department’s Automated External Defibrillator (AED) program, and serving as the department’s Business Liaison Officer.
Kevin’s impact within the department is both strategic and lasting. In 1999, he was assigned by Chief Sechrist to develop and implement the department’s Automated Defibrillator Program, which was deployed in 2000 and remains active today. That program has directly contributed to life-saving outcomes in the field. In the early 2000s, with the support of Chief Sechrist and in collaboration with Lt. Tom Wetzel, Kevin helped develop a children’s online safety program—demonstrating early leadership in addressing emerging digital threats.
Kevin was also selected to serve as part of the initial group assigned to the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, a partnership involving the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office and the Cleveland Division of the FBI. During his nearly three years in that role, he received specialized training and certification in digital forensic evidence and the investigation of crimes against children in online environments—work that required precision, resilience, and a strong moral compass.
In his current role as Business Liaison Officer, Kevin maintains active relationships with key stakeholders across the city, including financial institutions, major businesses such as Beachwood Place Mall and Master Builders, residential high-rises, and local religious organizations. His work helps bridge public safety and community engagement, ensuring open communication and proactive problem-solving.
Kevin has also contributed to the department’s modernization efforts, assisting Chief Grispino in the design of new department challenge coins and the redesign of police vehicle graphics—further reflecting pride, professionalism, and identity within the agency.
While building a distinguished career in law enforcement and community service, Kevin simultaneously achieved both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees, demonstrating a commitment to continuous personal and professional development.
Equally significant is Kevin’s role outside of his profession. He is a devoted husband and father of three daughters. Over the past decade, he also served as the primary caregiver for his mother, who lived with dementia for ten years before her passing in July 2025 at the age of 87. In addition, he spent the last seven years caring for his 96-year-old cousin until her passing in March 2026. These responsibilities required extraordinary patience, compassion, and sacrifice. Through it all, Kevin remained committed to his career and his community—supported by the strength of his wife and grounded in his faith.
Kevin Owens exemplifies steady, selfless leadership. His impact is not defined by a single act, but by decades of consistent service—quietly improving lives, strengthening his community, and leading by example.
Kevin truly represents the meaning of a Hometown Hero.
Tina Turick has dedicated nearly 38 years of service to the City of Beachwood, building a career grounded in commitment, collaboration, and public service. Since joining the City in 1988, she has advanced through the organization while raising her family and continuing her education, earning a reputation as a knowledgeable and trusted leader.
As City Administrator, Tina works closely with the Mayor, Department Directors, and City Council to support both daily operations and the city’s long-term vision. She actively engages with residents and community partners, helping ensure thoughtful decision-making and effective service delivery. She also serves on the Board of Directors for the Beachwood Chamber of Commerce.
Throughout her career, Tina has contributed to major municipal projects, facility improvements, communication initiatives, and administrative policy development. She takes pride in her collaborative leadership style, which emphasizes transparency and community input, creating a stronger, more connected Beachwood.
Tina earned an associate degree from Lakeland Community College, receiving the Dean’s Award and recognition on the All-Ohio Academic Team, and later graduated summa cum laude from Ursuline College with a bachelor’s degree in business management. She has been recognized with the Bright Star Award (2025) for her work with the Beachwood Chamber of Commerce
Tina has been married for over 34 years and is the proud mother of two daughters, both of whom are nurses. Outside of her professional role, she values time with family and friends, hosting gatherings, and bringing people together.
As City Administrator, Tina works closely with the Mayor, Department Directors, and City Council to support both daily operations and the city’s long-term vision. She actively engages with residents and community partners, helping ensure thoughtful decision-making and effective service delivery. She also serves on the Board of Directors for the Beachwood Chamber of Commerce.
Throughout her career, Tina has contributed to major municipal projects, facility improvements, communication initiatives, and administrative policy development. She takes pride in her collaborative leadership style, which emphasizes transparency and community input, creating a stronger, more connected Beachwood.
Tina earned an associate degree from Lakeland Community College, receiving the Dean’s Award and recognition on the All-Ohio Academic Team, and later graduated summa cum laude from Ursuline College with a bachelor’s degree in business management. She has been recognized with the Bright Star Award (2025) for her work with the Beachwood Chamber of Commerce
Tina has been married for over 34 years and is the proud mother of two daughters, both of whom are nurses. Outside of her professional role, she values time with family and friends, hosting gatherings, and bringing people together.
Dr. Carl Allamby is an Emergency Medicine Physician in Cleveland Ohio who is associate staff at Cleveland Clinic Hospital and is an Emergency Life-Flight Physician at Metro Health Hospital. Additionally, he is the Medical Director of the City of South Euclid and Beachwood for their Fire and EMS departments and is also an Advanced Trauma Life Support instructor where he teaches trauma rescue, assessment, and stabilization of life threatening injuries to other physicians and medical personnel.
However, this was not always his job. He used to be a business owner and professional automotive technician for 25 years but gave up this career to pursue a lifelong dream. His story of career change has been featured in many newspapers, TV news outlets locally and nationally, appearing on CBS Evening News with Steve Hartman, NPR’s Morning Edition with Scott Simon and The Kelly Clarkson Show.
Additionally, other prominent internet mediums such as Reader’s Digest, AARP, New York Post and many other local and national programs have featured his incredible life journey. Internationally, his
story has been featured in Singapore, Ghana and the United Kingdom. He has been on radio stations in
Cleveland, Toronto and Cincinnati to highlight his story and as an advocate for perseverance and
progression. Medscape awarded Dr. Allamby with the distinguished title of one of the best physicians of
2019.
As a medical student and graduate from Northeast Ohio Medical University, Dr. Allamby was
appointed to the Board of Trustees by Governor John Kasick and was also a member of the Admissions
Committee. As part of the Presidential Search Committee, Carl participated in selecting the most recent
University President. Additionally, he was a Community Advisory Board Member for Cleveland State
University and a mentor for many Health Science students. As the President of NEOMED’s local chapter
of Student National Medical Association in 2017 and 2018, Carl helped to promote the ongoing legacy of
diversity and inclusion of minority professionals in the field of medicine.
Additionally, he obtained an associate’s degree from Cuyahoga Community College and two
bachelor’s degrees from Cleveland State University and Ursuline College, graduating summa cum laude.
He was nationally recognized in April 2024 as an Outstanding Alumni award recipient from the American
Association of Community Colleges. He is a member of Alpha Sigma Lambda, Phi Theta Kappa and
Golden Key Honor Societies. Somehow, Dr. Allamby accomplished all of the aforementioned as a second
career while raising a family of four with his wife Kim.
In his former career as a business owner and automotive technician, Carl was an ASE Certified
Master Technician and Engine Performance Specialist. The two locations of auto repair and used car
sales facilities employed many people from the local community and served the local population for 25
years. As mentioned above, Dr. Allamby traded in his toolbox for a stethoscope to begin a new career as
a medical professional.
Carl began the business at the age of 19, mostly because there were very few jobs and
opportunities in the neighborhood where he grew up. He was always savvy with mechanics and
electronics but attended two years of automotive classes at the local community college at night to
enhance his skills and proficiency in auto repair and became a Master Technician in his early twenties.
The business continually grew over the years as he hired more employees and serviced more vehicles.
After numerous years in business, Carl decided to pursue a formal business degree. It was during this
time that he rediscovered his childhood passion of becoming a doctor and decided to give up a career of
a quarter century for the opportunity to further serve humanity as a medical professional. He came back
to his original community college to start his premed journey which propelled him towards a successful
career in medical education.
Dr. Allamby’s goal in medicine is not only to heal the injured or ill, he is also passionate about
influencing people from all walks of life to pursue greatness and success by following their dreams and
desires. This is especially true for people from disadvantaged and underrepresented backgrounds. Dr.
Allamby wants people to know that their current situation in life can be improved through education,
hard work, perseverance and community connections.
However, this was not always his job. He used to be a business owner and professional automotive technician for 25 years but gave up this career to pursue a lifelong dream. His story of career change has been featured in many newspapers, TV news outlets locally and nationally, appearing on CBS Evening News with Steve Hartman, NPR’s Morning Edition with Scott Simon and The Kelly Clarkson Show.
Additionally, other prominent internet mediums such as Reader’s Digest, AARP, New York Post and many other local and national programs have featured his incredible life journey. Internationally, his
story has been featured in Singapore, Ghana and the United Kingdom. He has been on radio stations in
Cleveland, Toronto and Cincinnati to highlight his story and as an advocate for perseverance and
progression. Medscape awarded Dr. Allamby with the distinguished title of one of the best physicians of
2019.
As a medical student and graduate from Northeast Ohio Medical University, Dr. Allamby was
appointed to the Board of Trustees by Governor John Kasick and was also a member of the Admissions
Committee. As part of the Presidential Search Committee, Carl participated in selecting the most recent
University President. Additionally, he was a Community Advisory Board Member for Cleveland State
University and a mentor for many Health Science students. As the President of NEOMED’s local chapter
of Student National Medical Association in 2017 and 2018, Carl helped to promote the ongoing legacy of
diversity and inclusion of minority professionals in the field of medicine.
Additionally, he obtained an associate’s degree from Cuyahoga Community College and two
bachelor’s degrees from Cleveland State University and Ursuline College, graduating summa cum laude.
He was nationally recognized in April 2024 as an Outstanding Alumni award recipient from the American
Association of Community Colleges. He is a member of Alpha Sigma Lambda, Phi Theta Kappa and
Golden Key Honor Societies. Somehow, Dr. Allamby accomplished all of the aforementioned as a second
career while raising a family of four with his wife Kim.
In his former career as a business owner and automotive technician, Carl was an ASE Certified
Master Technician and Engine Performance Specialist. The two locations of auto repair and used car
sales facilities employed many people from the local community and served the local population for 25
years. As mentioned above, Dr. Allamby traded in his toolbox for a stethoscope to begin a new career as
a medical professional.
Carl began the business at the age of 19, mostly because there were very few jobs and
opportunities in the neighborhood where he grew up. He was always savvy with mechanics and
electronics but attended two years of automotive classes at the local community college at night to
enhance his skills and proficiency in auto repair and became a Master Technician in his early twenties.
The business continually grew over the years as he hired more employees and serviced more vehicles.
After numerous years in business, Carl decided to pursue a formal business degree. It was during this
time that he rediscovered his childhood passion of becoming a doctor and decided to give up a career of
a quarter century for the opportunity to further serve humanity as a medical professional. He came back
to his original community college to start his premed journey which propelled him towards a successful
career in medical education.
Dr. Allamby’s goal in medicine is not only to heal the injured or ill, he is also passionate about
influencing people from all walks of life to pursue greatness and success by following their dreams and
desires. This is especially true for people from disadvantaged and underrepresented backgrounds. Dr.
Allamby wants people to know that their current situation in life can be improved through education,
hard work, perseverance and community connections.
Scott Morrison is the very definition of a Beachwood Hometown Hero. Professional, compassionate, and incredibly dependable, he is someone people can always count on — the first to offer a helping hand and the last to leave when the work is done.
As owner of Discovery Photo, Scott is a talented portrait, architectural, and fine art photographer who spends countless hours capturing the spirit of Beachwood. Through his lens, he generously supports the Beachwood Chamber of Commerce, the City of Beachwood, Beachwood Schools, Beachwood Buzz, and many local businesses, organizations, and events. His work is consistently exceptional, and his calm, upbeat presence makes him a joy to work with.
A 23-year member of the Beachwood Chamber of Commerce, Scott recently stepped into the role of president, continuing to lead with integrity, humility, and heart. His generosity, commitment, and unwavering support of Beachwood reflect exactly why he is being honored as a Beachwood Hometown Hero.
Beyond his local work, Scott is deeply involved in the film world, with more than 60 IMDb credits in cinematography, gaffing, and behind-the-scenes photography. He has worked on horror films, participated in numerous 48-hour film competitions, and photographed regional Emmy events — all while continuing to generously share his time and talent close to home.
When he is not behind the camera, Scott enjoys playing guitar, driving his 1964 Dodge convertible, visiting National Parks, making craft beer, gardening, and spending time with his wife, Liz, and their children.
As owner of Discovery Photo, Scott is a talented portrait, architectural, and fine art photographer who spends countless hours capturing the spirit of Beachwood. Through his lens, he generously supports the Beachwood Chamber of Commerce, the City of Beachwood, Beachwood Schools, Beachwood Buzz, and many local businesses, organizations, and events. His work is consistently exceptional, and his calm, upbeat presence makes him a joy to work with.
A 23-year member of the Beachwood Chamber of Commerce, Scott recently stepped into the role of president, continuing to lead with integrity, humility, and heart. His generosity, commitment, and unwavering support of Beachwood reflect exactly why he is being honored as a Beachwood Hometown Hero.
Beyond his local work, Scott is deeply involved in the film world, with more than 60 IMDb credits in cinematography, gaffing, and behind-the-scenes photography. He has worked on horror films, participated in numerous 48-hour film competitions, and photographed regional Emmy events — all while continuing to generously share his time and talent close to home.
When he is not behind the camera, Scott enjoys playing guitar, driving his 1964 Dodge convertible, visiting National Parks, making craft beer, gardening, and spending time with his wife, Liz, and their children.
Matt Fieldman shows his dedication to helping others improve their lives. Matt saw the importance of dialogue between the Black and Jewish communities, and co-founded Rekindle in 2021 to create that space for connection and colaboration. Under his direction, this organization aims to “rekindle” the Black-Jewish alliance, and has expanded to over 20 cities nationally.
In addition, Matt served as the founding Board President for EDWINS Leadership Institute from 2010 to 2016, and continues to serve on their Board. EDWINS is a nonprofit organization focused on providing culinary training to formerly incarcerated individuals. Participants gain skills and secure employment in the restaurant industry.
In 2016, Fieldman founded Cleveland Codes, the nation’s first nonprofit software bootcamp devoted to preparing underserved adults for careers in technology. To date, over 200 Cleveland Code graduates have made a major impact on Cleveland’s technology workforce,
Cleveland, and our country, have been improved because of Matt Fieldman’s social entrepreneurship. He is a true Hero.
In addition, Matt served as the founding Board President for EDWINS Leadership Institute from 2010 to 2016, and continues to serve on their Board. EDWINS is a nonprofit organization focused on providing culinary training to formerly incarcerated individuals. Participants gain skills and secure employment in the restaurant industry.
In 2016, Fieldman founded Cleveland Codes, the nation’s first nonprofit software bootcamp devoted to preparing underserved adults for careers in technology. To date, over 200 Cleveland Code graduates have made a major impact on Cleveland’s technology workforce,
Cleveland, and our country, have been improved because of Matt Fieldman’s social entrepreneurship. He is a true Hero.
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Beachwood City Schools proudly congratulates 2025 Crystal Apple Award recipients Mary Deitrick and Karen Carter. Deitrick, a physical education teacher at Hilltop, and Carter, a bus driver, were nominated by their colleagues for their exceptional commitment to our district and students. The Crystal Apple awards were presented at the annual staff Convocation on Aug. 12. During the presentation, Hilltop principal Amy Pinney praised Deitrick as an educator who makes all students feel instantly welcomed when they walk into her classroom. Pinney added, “She builds strong, meaningful relationships with her students, always encouraging them to see their own potential and believe in what they can achieve. She teaches students to be kind, compassionate humans, nurtures their love for learning, and equips them with valuable life skills that will carry them far beyond the classroom.” Transportation coordinators Heather Farkas and Susan Augusta highlighted the significant impact Carter makes on students on a daily basis, noting that Carter’s patience is one of the qualities that make her a positive role model in our department. In addition, they said “This driver has a gift in working with students and always takes that extra bit of time to engage with them, getting to know them, and explaining bus safety. Her heartfelt communication with parents is also highly valued."