By DORIS COOK - Staff Writer
ASHTABULA TOWNSHIP — U.S Marine Private First Class Joshua Glotzbecker of Ashtabula wanted to propose to his girlfriend, 18-year-old Jennifer Cevera Thursday night in an unusual way. None of this take her out for dinner and pop the question was the plan.
His mom, April Sartini, clinic nurse at the Ashtabula County Sheriff’s Department, enlisted help from a co-worker, Lt. Greg Leonhard. Josh, who is in the Marine Corps First Division, 1st tank battalion based in California, is home on leave until next week.
“A few other deputies got into the plan including Sgt. Jim Kemmerle, who tweaked it a bit,” said Leonhard adding Jennifer’s parents, Rick and Shelly Cevera also were in on the surprise.
The plan called for Sgt. Kemmerle to pick up Josh near the Crow’s Nest Restaurant in the Harbor District shortly before 7 p.m. Meanwhile, Jennifer and her mother drove to Lake Shore Park.
At the park, mom and daughter were to look at sites to videotape a cousin’s wedding party. As Jennifer drove slowly into the park near a pavilion, the deputy followed their car. Kemmerle came up with a fake story to stop the Cevera car.
“Josh was in the back seat and Kemmerle’s cruiser has tinted windows, so Jennifer couldn’t see in. Jim asked for her driver’s license telling her someone had stolen a purse at the Crow’s Nest. Her car matched the description of a suspect vehicle. Jim then asked her to get out of the vehicle and come over by his cruiser,” Leonhard said.
All the time, Sartini and friend, Erin Kelner were hidden close by videotaping the event. When Jennifer got to the cruiser, the deputy opened the back door and Josh jumped out.
The 20-year-old marine got down on his knees to propose with a ring and huge bouquet of roses for Jennifer. It was all caught on videotape by his mom.
“I know I surprised her,” Josh said later. “We haven’t set any wedding date. My unit may be deployed to Afghanistan. I’ve always wanted to join the Marine Corps since graduating from Edgewood High School.”
As for Jennifer’s reaction: “I thought the deputy stopped me for speeding, but I was only driving 5 mph. I was going to the park to check out photos for the wedding rehearsal of my cousin. It was quite a surprise,” she said.
“Everybody helped make this special for Josh and Jennifer. Lt. Leonhard went out of his way and we appreciate how it all turned out,” Sartini said.
