The absence of Trooper Michael Paul Stewart III is felt on a daily basis, said his brother, Jason Stewart.
Now the family has a spot where he can be remembered by them and the entire community as a memorial honoring Westmoreland County’s 28 fallen law enforcement officers was unveiled Thursday.
“This monument ensures my brother Michael Stewart and the other fallen heroes will be remembered forever,” Stewart said. “Their names are etched in stone as a symbol for their sacrifice for our community.”
He remembered his brother as a kind, determined leader. The 26-year-old trooper was killed July 14, 2017 when his patrol unit collided with a garbage truck at the intersection of Routes 711 and 271 in Ligonier Township.
Stewart and 27 others are listed on the granite memorial outside the Westmoreland County Courthouse in Greensburg that is visible from Main Street. It was unveiled during Thursday’s Westmoreland County Law Enforcement Memorial Service, planned by the Westmoreland County District Attorney’s Office to coincide with National Police Week. About 100 people, including police, attorneys, county employees and elected officials, attended.
The names of the fallen officers were read, and family members or police officers placed a white carnation in a basket in their memory.
“Each name engraved in the stone is not just a name, it is a story,” said Westmoreland County Commissioner Sean Kertes.
Lower Burrell police Chief John Marhefka recalled one of those names, and stories. He worked with Patrolman Derek Kotecki, 40, who was gunned down Oct. 12, 2011.
“He was more than a colleague, he was a person that made the job enjoyable,” Marhefka said.
Westmoreland County District Attorney Nicole Ziccarelli said it was important to her that the 28 fallen officers were honored and their families supported through the memorial.
“When you look at the characteristics of granite, you think tough, solid, durable, stable,” she said. “That was what was embodied by every police officer that we honor here today.”
The memorial was funded by a $60,000 state grant obtained through state Sen. Kim Ward, R-Hempfield. Benches next to it were funded by $10,000 from the Westmoreland County Law Enforcement Officers Association.
