HANOVER, Pa. (WHTM) — Local communities are voicing their concerns after photos were posted to Facebook of a Hanover Area Jaycees Halloween parade float that depicted Holocaust symbolism in Hanover Thursday night.

The float, entered by St. Joseph’s Catholic School in Hanover and towed by Metcalf Cleaning LLC, depicted a replica of an Auschwitz concentration camp gate with the phrase “Arbeit Macht Frei,” which is translated to “Work sets you free.”

The phrase is a prominent symbol of the Nazi concentration camps that killed over six million Jewish people during the Holocaust, according to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum.

The Most Reverend Timothy C. Senior, Bishop of Harrisburg, said in a statement, “The inclusion of this image—one that represents the horrific suffering and murder of millions of innocent people, including six million Jews during the Holocaust—is profoundly offensive and unacceptable. While the original, approved design for this float did not contain this imagery, it does not change the fact that this highly recognizable symbol of hate was included.”

The York Jewish Community Center, the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia, and the Jewish Federation of Harrisburg also released a joint statement in response to the incident:

“These acts, intentional or not, cause fear and pain for Jewish individuals and all who understand the weight of these symbols. We appreciate Bishop Senior’s acknowledgment of the harm caused and his apology on behalf of the Diocese. Recognizing the impact of such imagery is a vital step toward understanding, healing, and preventing similar incidents in the future.”

YORK JCC, JEWISH FEDERATION OF GREATER PHILADELPHIA, AND JEWISH FEDERATION OF HARRISBURG

Galen S. Shelly, who identified himself as the creator of the float in the comment section of the original post, wrote a lengthy statement apologizing for the incident, saying, “In that I have erred and will gladly offer this apology for not realizing there were other ways to interpret a part, especially without knowledge of the whole.”

Metcalf Cleaning LLC also apologized for pulling the float that contained the Nazi imagery and slogan, saying, “At the time, we were unaware of its meaning and significance. We recognize that we should have taken a closer look at the float prior to the parade, and we are truly sorry for that oversight.”

A Pennsylvania police officer who was seriously injured on the job is marking a major milestone in his recovery.

Plymouth Meeting police officer Jake Hennessey was released from Penn Presbyterian Medical Center in University City Friday afternoon. Dozens of fellow police officers lined up outside the emergency room, clapping and cheering, as he was wheeled out on a gurney.

“As a township, we’re very happy to hear the news that Officer Jake Hennessey is being released today,” Lynne Viscio, vice chair of the Plymouth Township Council, said.

On Oct. 24, Hennessey was responding to reports of an erratic driver when the driver of a white Mercedes SUV drove straight toward him in the parking lot of a DoubleTree hotel.

Officials said Hennessey opened fire as the SUV approached — it’s unclear if the bullets hit anyone — before the driver ran him over. After the SUV driver left, Hennessey tried to apply a tourniquet to his own leg, but officials said the driver returned to the parking lot and ran Hennessey over three more times.

Fellow officers have been visiting Hennessey in the hospital daily to make sure he never felt alone during his recovery.

“We’re wishing Officer Hennessey continued healing and look forward to the day he’s back with his fellow officers and the community he serves,” Matt West, township manager for Plymouth Township, said. “Officer Hennessey has shown such incredible strength and determination throughout his recovery.”

West praised medical staff at Penn Presbyterian, saying their expert care and compassion were crucial in helping Hennessey heal.

“I just want to take a moment to thank the doctors and nurses who cared for him, the neighboring police departments who’ve stepped in to help, and the community for the outpouring of kindness, prayers,” West said. “Over the past week, it’s been a whirlwind of emotions, and we can’t do it alone.”

Dalton Lee Janiczek, 21, of Lower Gwynedd, was charged with attempted murder of a law enforcement officer, aggravated assault, fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer and other crimes.