Rain doesn’t dampen spirits at third annual Umbrella Walk honoring Lt. Lebo

Despite rainy weather, the third annual Umbrella Walk honoring the late Lt. William D. Lebo saw high community turnout Monday, March 31.

Lora Lebo said turnout was higher than last year’s, and she hopes the event will continue to grow with each passing year.

“This is a wonderful thing to keep his memory alive,” Lora said before addressing walkers at City Hall.

Participants walked alongside City of Lebanon police officers from Southwest/Optimist Park to City Hall in celebration of Lebo’s dedication to the community.

To protect from the elements, the William D. Lebo Memorial Foundation, which offers scholarships to first responders and their families, sold special edition golf umbrellas and T-shirts.

In a press release about the event, the Lebanon City Police Department explained that Lebo took the same green and white golf umbrella to work each day.

“Rain or shine, Lt. Lebo walked to work every day, carrying the same green and white golf umbrella – one placed by the back door at home, another at the police station,” the release said. “It was more than just shelter from the elements; it was a symbol of his dedication, preparation, and quiet reflection.

“Those umbrellas remain by the doors today … just in case.”

Lora explained that a key part of the William D. Lebo Foundation’s mission is to revitalize the local community.

Applicants for the nonprofit’s continued education scholarships, she explained, are asked to describe how they hope to bring their education back home to uplift the community.

“He loved this county, and he lived here his whole life,” said Lora, explaining that she moved to the area when she married him. “It’s very important to him to keep this county alive and thriving.”

The foundation is currently seeking scholarship applications, which Lora explained includes various forms of continued education including college or technical school. Scholarships will be awarded in June.

Since Lt. Lebo was killed in the line of duty on March 31, 2022, he has been posthumously awarded the state’s Keystone First Responder Award and received recognition from multiple other organizations.

Read More: Lt. Lebo is recognized posthumously with state’s Keystone First Responder Award