Once Poole spotted his wife and realized what was going on, the often chatty officer was left in a rare state for him.
"He's never found himself speechless like that," said Nicole Banks of Starfish Assignment, a charitable organization that works with officers like Poole to help make an impact in the community. "But he's so deserving of it. He gives so much back to the community."
READ MORE: Saturday is First Responders Night presented by Jet's Pizza
In fact, Poole has used that voice for quite a bit of good. He's known to Banks as the first officer to volunteer for Starfish programs, and Poole holds the distinction of being the Columbus officer who has read to more children than anyone else through the Books & Badges program. He's also participated in such outreach programs as Cops & Barbers, Bikes Assignment, Cops & Gobblers, events with Sahara-Columbus, Shop with a Cop, AEP Ohio Coat Drives, and Easter Basket Assignments.
And over the summer of 2022, Poole and his son took a 40-day, cross-country bicycle journey to raise awareness of the importance of first responders' mental health. During the journey from Santa Monica, Calif., to Annapolis, Md., they also fundraised for First Responders' Bridge, a local nonprofit that aims to support all active and retired first responders and their families who are experiencing or have experienced any traumatic or life-altering events.
A 27-year veteran of the force, Poole cited statistics that show first responders are more likely to take their own lives or deal with substance abuse issues than die in the line of duty. As such, he was inspired to take on that cross-country journey to help spread the message that it's OK for first responders to look for help while dealing with their stressful roles.
"Each and every one of us in this world has struggles and challenges; it doesn't matter who are you are," Poole said. "Unfortunately, as first responders, we see it more. It's taxing on us constantly as far as the negative we see in the world. As first responders, we need to help to evaluate ourselves and we need to understand with all the negative that is out there, we can't hold everything on our own shoulders.
"We need talk to people. We need to let it out, and we need to understand there are coping mechanisms out there to help us out and not have to turn to things that will harm ourselves or harm other people."
Poole, who moved to the motorcycle unit in May 2021, was greeted by Jenner at the surprise recognition lunch that featured Jet's Pizza for the entire motorcycle unit, as well as members of his family and friends he's worked with in other departments during his years on the force.
"It's super special to be here and support what these guys do and recognize what they do in the community to keep us safe," Jenner said. "In Officer Poole's case, he's going above and beyond and raising money for other first responders and things that people might be going through. It's an extraordinary effort by him, and it's something that needs to be recognized.
"That's why as the Blue Jackets we are happy to honor him and celebrate him for what he's done not just in this community but for first responders everywhere."
Jenner also delivered the news to Poole that he and his unit are invited to the Blue Jackets' game tomorrow night against San Jose as the team celebrates its annual First Responders Night, presented by Jet's Pizza.
For someone who has used his role to have a positive impact on others, Poole never expected to be in the spotlight and honored by his peers. It certainly helped that everyone involved did a great job of keeping the celebration a surprise.
"I was speechless and very shocked," he said. "Everybody kept it a secret. Talk about being shocked and overwhelmed and surprised. And just happy. It's probably one of the best days I've had in a long time."
