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Article courtesy of The L.A. Wave Newspaper.
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By WIRE SERVICES --
Signs designating part of Lincoln Boulevard near LAX as Officer Tommy Scott Square were unveiled Saturday to commemorate the death of the first Airport Police officer killed in the line of duty in the department's 59-year-history.
"It was a powerful, very solemn ceremony. Tommy was a beautiful, positive person," Los Angeles City Councilman Bill Rosendahl said following a noontime ceremony. "He brought light into the room whenever he walked in. He was a truly a hero."
Scott, 35, died April 29, 2005, while trying to detain a transient walking along the airport perimeter. The man first got into Scott's patrol car and drove off with Scott trying to stop him. With Scott hanging onto the side of the car, the man hit a fire hydrant, killing the 4-year veteran of the police force.
William Sadowski, 46, pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity last month to a charge of first-degree murder.
At Saturday's ceremony were Scott's parents, Hubert Scott Sr. and JoAnn Carter-Scott.
Airport police and city officials unveiled two street signs on Lincoln — one facing the northbound traffic and the other southbound — near where Scott was killed. A bronze plaque was put up earlier.
"This action by the City Council is an honor to the memory of Officer Scott, who is the first officer to lose his life in the line of duty since the organization began in 1946,'' said Airport Police Chief George Centeno. "As part of the Airport Police Family, Officer Scott was an inspiration to his fellow officers and the entire LAX community."
At the officer's funeral at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels, Scott's father said he was comforted that his son had found his calling in life. The death devastated the close-knit, independent police department.
Scott, who had worked for the city department of parks before becoming a police officer, joined the force Oct. 7, 2001 and graduated from Rio Hondo Police Academy on Feb. 21, 2002.
Also at Saturday's ceremony were City Councilwoman Janice Hahn and Carmen Trutanich, who is running for city attorney.
"Officer Tommy Scott was a consummate professional who earned the respect and admiration of his peers and supervisors alike with his friendly disposition and extensive knowledge of the airport's operations," Hahn said. "With the dedication of this square we honor his memory and his bravery."
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