FREMONT, Ohio — If you’ve been through Fremont, chances are you’ve met the man they call Mr. Fremont.
Normally, you would find him at a sporting event around town, but with no sports on the schedule right now, he’s finding new ways to brighten everyone’s day.
His name is Jay Cullen, but some call him Jay Bird or Mr. Fremont. Everyone has their own name for him, but everyone knows exactly who he is!
“He’s a legend in this community,” John Cahill said.
His smile can light up a room, or in this case, an entire town. Danny Sanchez is the duly elected mayor, but he’s perfectly fine taking a backseat in the popularity polls to his buddy Jay.
“Jay Bird is not only the Mayor of Fremont, but he was also my campaign manager when I was running for mayor,” says Sanchez. “Jay is the number one Fremont guy!”
During the pandemic, he hasn’t been able to get out around the community to talk to the people he loves so much, so he’s been sitting at the end of his driveway at the corner of Bush and Tiffin Street waving to every car that goes by.
“I’ve been working out, exercising, walking around, sitting out here all the time watching people go by. I can’t do any sports or go watch any sports,” he said.
Fremont Ross Boys Basketball Coach John Cahill has been stopping by Cullen's house on a regular basis. Sometimes just to say hello. Sometimes to deliver a pizza.
“If the world had more people like Jay that just had genuine care for people, it would be a lot happier place. He’s got a heart of gold and genuinely cares about people. You can see the outpouring of love comes back to him because he gives it back," Cahill said.
“Throughout this whole pandemic issue, I take one of two calls from Jay every single day on the phone. As you can see, just being down here, the community drives by, blows their horn, Jay’s always a friendly face. When you think of Fremont, you think of Jay Bird, Jay Cullen, " he added.
His name may not be on any ballot, but Jay Cullen is definitely the most beloved guy in town.
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