Designing Spaces with
Quiet Elegance

A Shield for Marcellus

When Cincinnati Police Officer Marcellus Jones died suddenly in March 2025 at just 33 years old, his partner and friend, Casey Harrell, wanted to create something that would honor not only the badge he wore, but the person he was.

Marcellus had dreamed of becoming a police officer since childhood. As a Cincinnati police officer and school resource officer, he built meaningful relationships with students, fellow officers, and the community he served. He was known for his warmth, humor, unmistakable smile, and the genuine care he showed for others. He supported fellow officers, served on a nonprofit board advocating for the homeless, and mentored boys through Big Brothers Big Sisters. To those who knew him, Marcellus was much more than a police officer—he was a friend, mentor, advocate, and a source of love and laughter.

Casey created a ceramic shield in his honor, giving a symbol of the work Marcellus loved a permanent place in his memory. The shield now stands beside a tree planted by Recruit Class 116, the recruits who were in the academy when Marcellus passed away. Together, the shield and the growing tree represent both the life he dedicated to serving others and the lives he continues to touch.

At the heart of the tribute is one of Marcellus’s favorite reminders: “Love is a Verb.” It is a phrase that beautifully reflects the way he lived—through service, kindness, mentorship, friendship, and a willingness to show up for others.

This tribute is more than a piece of ceramic. It is a place to pause, remember, and tell his story. A lasting reminder of a man whose legacy lives on through the people he served, the people who loved him, and the community that carries his memory forward.