By GLENN WOJCIAK

The Post staff writer

Bluecoats of Medina County was formed eight years ago and has built up a treasury of $247,000 which bodes well for the nonprofit organization's sustainability for years to come.

Officers also announced new leadership for the group at their annual meeting held Sept. 27 at Medina Country Club. Group supporters used the occasion of the annual meeting to honor Bob Cummings who served as the group's executive director since its founding in 2003.

Cummings, a Medina resident, was recruited from Bluecoats of Cuyahoga County and was instrumental in forming the group dedicated to assisting the families of local police officers and firemen who have become disabled or lost their lives in the line of duty.

Barbara Cumming (no relation to Cummings) is the new executive director of the organization. Like her predecessor, she brings to the organization more than 30 years of corporate and nonprofit experience.

Bluecoats of Medina County Inc. is an organization that provides financial assistance to the families of safety personnel who lose their lives or become permanently disabled in the line of duty. This includes police, and paid or volunteer fire and emergency medical personnel. Additionally, the Bluecoats of Medina County serve as an information resource and liaison that connects families to federal, state and other programs that provide relief and support to families of fallen safety officers.

In the event of a line-of-duty death or permanent disability, Bluecoats at the outset will provide the surviving family:

* $5,000 for immediate expenses.

* Financial assistance for housing for up to one year.

* Guidance in accessing available local, state and federal resources.

One such recipient of financial assistance is Josh Murray, whose father Jeffrey died of a heart attack five years ago at age 41 while serving as a volunteer fireman in Sharon Township. The younger Murray appeared at the Bluecoats' annual meeting to thank members for the financial assistance provided his family and helping him pay for his college education.

Bluecoats of Medina County also presented a plaque commending the service of Buck Adams, who retired in August after serving as director of the Medina County Emergency Management Agency for 21 years.

New members recently added to the Bluecoats board of directors are Michael Baach, Denise Pozderac and Bob Senkar.

Frank Sullivan, who was a primary force in creating Bluecoats of Medina County, remains as chairman of the board of directors. Bill Burke is president of the board; Michael Carlson, vice president of distributions; James Boyes, secretary; Gregory Kramer, membership chairman; Norbert Lewandowski, vice president of special projects; Edward McKeon, finance chairman; and Ron Paydo, treasurer.

The organization reports that it took in $55,000 last year in donations, member dues and investment earnings and expended $23,000 on administrative and other expenses. The organization showed a balance of $247,000 in 2010.

"We have experienced steady growth in membership and have been able to increase the basic benefit offerings for surviving families of fallen safety forces members," said Cumming. "We are nearing a quarter-million-dollars in our treasury. The organization is now at a point of sustainability."

Financial contributions for the Bluecoats of Medina are welcomed and should be made payable to Bluecoats of Medina County Inc., Trust Department Third Floor, 39 Public Square, Medina, OH, 44256.