More than 100 people gathered Friday outside the Holmes Shaver Judicial Annex in Parkersburg to mark Children’s Memorial Flag Day and raise awareness about child abuse prevention.
The event, part of Child Abuse Awareness Month, served as a solemn reminder of the ongoing fight to protect children. Shannon Elkins, Social Services Manager for Wood County’s Department of Human Services, shared that in 2024 alone, there were 1,248 child abuse investigations in the county.
Eighth-grader Skylar Bonnett from Edison Middle School explained the significance of the Children’s Memorial Flag. Every fourth Friday in April, communities across the U.S. raise this flag to honor children lost to violence and abuse. The red flag features blue paper doll-like figures holding hands, with a single red silhouette representing a child no longer with us.
Parkersburg Police Chief Matthew Board read a proclamation from Mayor Tom Joyce, declaring April 25 as Children’s Memorial Flag Day in honor of children lost to abuse, neglect, accidents, and violence.
“Every child has the right to feel safe in a loving environment,” Board read. “The effects of child abuse and neglect are felt by the entire community and must be addressed.”
Retired Parkersburg Police Officer Greg Nangle also spoke, commending officers, victim advocates, and child protective service workers who deal with these heartbreaking cases.
“You are the front-line defenders of innocent children,” Nangle said, offering a prayer for their strength and urging the community to report abuse whenever it’s seen.
The event also featured a deeply emotional testimony from Sarah Furguson, whose daughter, Paisley, was severely abused at just three and a half years old.
Furguson shared how her daughter suffered life-threatening injuries, including brain bleeds and a spinal fracture, at the hands of her father.
“The emotional impact of this will go long past the physical injuries,” she said.
Despite devastating predictions, Paisley has made remarkable progress — walking, talking, and playing again — thanks to intense therapy and resilience. Furguson credited local law enforcement, child protective services, and the prosecutor’s office for helping secure a conviction while protecting her daughter from further trauma.
“It all starts with one phone call,” she urged, encouraging others to report suspected abuse.
Wood County Assistant Prosecutor Russ Skogstad also spoke, thanking frontline workers for their tireless efforts.
“What you do changes lives in ways that can’t even be measured,” Skogstad said. “Although it may not always feel like it, we are making a difference.”
Throughout the ceremony, the community honored individuals who have gone above and beyond to protect children. Awards included:
- Community Member Award: Candace Gabriel, North Star Child Advocacy Center
- Law Enforcement Officer Award: Detective Ryan Black, Vienna Police Department
- Employee Award: Tabetha McClung, West Virginia Department of Human Services
Elkins closed the ceremony by reminding everyone that preventing child abuse starts with building nurturing, safe spaces where children can thrive.
