YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio - News conferences were held simultaneously in 20 cities Monday morning, including Youngstown, to honor "National Police Memorial Week."

But local emergency responders from the Mahoning County Sheriff's Department, Youngstown Police and Fire Departments say they are saddened that they must tie a political agenda to the sacrifice of officers who have lost their lives protecting the community.

The group used the gathering to re-affirm their opposition to Ohio Senate Bill 5. 

The law limits collective bargaining for public employees. The group says there are a number of myths in the law, including that police officers and firefighters can negotiate wages and safety equipment.

Chris Weaver of the Youngstown Professional Firefighters Union tells 21 News that "depending on what rank you are in the fire department, you are not subject to any kind of collective bargaining at all."

Weaver says that means any firefighter from the rank of Lieutenant on up has no collective bargaining rights at all.

The group says anti SB 5 petitions are getting support from the public.