HERMANN – A large crowd gathered Saturday morning for the dedication of the Riverfront Park Pavilion in honor of the late Det. Sgt. Mason Griffith.

With his family and friends looking on, Griffith’s dedication to duty and love of community was extolled by city government and police officials, leading up to the unveiling of a plaque and sign formally naming the structure the Mason Griffith Pavilion.

The dedication ceremony was conducted after the Hermann Freedomfest Parade as part of the community’s Independence Day celebration. Former Hermann Patrolman Adam Sullentrup, who sustained severe injury in the March 12, 2023, incident that claimed Griffith’s life, aided in the dedication ceremony after serving as Parade Marshal. Sullentrup was honored earlier in the day by city officials naming the entrances to City Hall and the Police Department as Sullentrup Way.

With Police Chief Marlon Walker serving as Master of Ceremonies, Mayor Bruce Cox offered opening remarks in the tribute to the Griffith.

“Today, we gather to honor a true hero of the community,” Cox said. “Mason dedicated his life to serving our community.”

The mayor said the lawman’s “dedication to duty and his love of our community will never be forgotten.”

In his benediction prayer, the Rev. Andy Wilson of St. Peter’s United Church of Christ said Griffith gave the “last full measure of devotion” and, referring to Sullentrup, said, “let his presence here be a sign of your hope.” He closed by saying, “May the legacy of Det. Sgt. Griffith inspire us to act” on behalf of others.

Walker recalled Griffith as a friend, someone who represented the “thin blue line” of law enforcement and was dedicated to the community’s safety.

“Mason is remembered every day,” the police chief told the crowd. “Each and every day, we all remember him.”

Lynde Mantels, a Gasconade County sheriff’s deputy who succeeded Griffith as the Rosebud police chief, was joined by Hermann Patrolman Josh Krull in raising the Blue Line flag on a flagpole installed next to the plaque adjacent to the pavilion.

Walker explained that the Blue Line flag is a symbol adopted to show community support for law enforcement. Smaller versions of the flag were provided to those attending the dedication ceremony before it started.

The flags were also prominent as they lined the flower boxes in the driveway leading to the pavilion and in the flower beds alongside the pavilion.

The event was well-attended by members of various public service agencies, including policemen from various communities, firefighters, a member of the U.S. Marines, the Gasconade County Sheriff’s Department and the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

The Hermann police chief spoke to all of those groups in his remarks.

“We thank you for your service,” he said. “We will always remember the sacrifice you made in the course of public service.”