1 Year Later, Hundreds Honor Fallen Mendota Heights Officer
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- It's been one year since a Mendota Heights Police officer was killed in the line of duty.
As the bag pipes sounded and the flags were flown at a memorial service in West St. Paul Thursday, the family of fallen officer Scott Patrick knows he never would have expected such attention.
"He would have taken a great deal of appreciation, but he would have made sure no one thought he had a big head," Patrick's brother, Mike Brue, said.
But behind the smiles, there were tears.
A moment of silence marked the moment officer Patrick was shot and killed during a traffic stop on Dodd Road on July 30, 2014.
"Although part of our hearts heal, we are forever changed," Mendota Heights police officer John Larrive said.
The 47-year-old father not only left behind a wife and two children, but an entire community he loved.
A member of the Mendota Heights Police Department for 19 years, he was their most senior officer.
Following the service, Patrick's family unveiled the sign for "Officer Scott Patrick Memorial Highway" that will officially rename a portion of Dodd Road.
His family hopes people will see it and remember to appreciate each day of life.
"Life is a precious thing," Brue said. "Don't take it for granted. Be better."
Patrick's killer, Brian Fitch Sr., was convicted in February of first-degree murder. He is now serving life in prison without parole.