'Living memorial' for fallen Lower Burrell officer takes shape

Saturday morning marked a landmark moment at Officer Kotecki Memorial Park in Lower Burrell.

The new entrance is intended to be a living memorial to Derek Kotecki, a Lower Burrell police officer who was 40 years old when he was shot and killed in a parking lot in 2011.

PHOTOS: Officer Kotecki Memorial Park

Numerous volunteers who have given their time, effort, passion and labor were invited to the unveiling of the project.

The letters spelling out "Officer Kotecki Memorial Park" now line an archway overhead at the entrance. At the center of the name is a badge to commemorate Kotecki.

At the center of the entrance itself, is a life-size bust of Odin, Kotecki's K-9 partner who is still a part of the Kotecki family.

“This is not only a memorial to Officer Kotecki's sacrifice for our city's safety, but also how one person can continue to have an impact on so many lives,” said Lower Burrell Councilman Christopher Koziarski.

As the project progresses, there are a few more items that will line the archway, as well as some landscaping and concrete work for the roadway and curbs.

The main entrance will remain closed until completion, but Koziarski said people are invited to stop by the park to see this memorial that’s been “put together by so many passionate and driven volunteers.”

Cox Media Group