Bob Hall an institution as longtime Millersburg Police Auxiliary member
There are many ways people can become an integral part of their community. For Bob Hall that came in the form of serving on the Millersburg Auxiliary Police for many years.
Hall has been leading the grand parade in the Holmes County Antique Festival for a long, long time. Just how long is anyone’s guess. Even Hall said he isn’t sure of the exact number of years he and Millersburg Chief of Police Thomas Vaughn have ushered countless floats, bands, visiting royalty and a host of other parade entrants down Jackson Street in front of a massive crowd each year.
But at the young age of 93, Hall was present again this year at the head of the grand parade, where he took his customary passenger’s seat beside Vaughn.
“We’ve been doing this for a long time, and he has been so dedicated to serving the community over the years,” Vaughn said of Hall.
Hall has been a member of the Millersburg Police Auxiliary for nearly a quarter century. During that time he has served faithfully and been a part of his community in a meaningful way.
That really was all that Hall ever wanted.
"The auxiliary has given me a chance to serve people and to interact with the community,” Hall said.
Auxiliary police officers assist local police departments in maintaining order and protecting the safety of a community's residents. Most are volunteers who are concerned with the well-being of their neighbors and their neighborhood. Auxiliary police officers perform nonenforcement and nonhazardous duties. The departments with which they are associated and the chief of police in charge often delineate their specific duties.
“As an auxiliary we can deter crime and arrest people, although I never really liked doing that,” Hall said. “But it is a chance to make a positive impact in my community.”
As for his time leading the parade, Hall said that may be coming to an end soon, much like his time with the auxiliary.
“I’m going to be 93, and it is time to start slowing down,” Hall said. “I’ve gone to part-time, and this may be the last time I lead the parade like this.”
Even in his 90s Hall said the nice thing about life is that people can always learn something new, regardless of how old or young that person might be.
“You’re never too old to learn from other people, and I really enjoy talking with people,” Hall said.
During the first Antique Festival, Hall wasn’t riding in the lead car, but he does remember being involved with that festival, and his heart has remained with the Millersburg community ever since.