Pierce County Council approves 'Officers Memorial Drive' in Parkland; ceremony Nov. 29

As the one-year anniversary of the Nov. 29, 2009 killing of four Lakewood police officers nears, drivers at the intersection of Steele Street South and 116th Street South in Parkland may soon turn onto “Officers Memorial Drive.” At the Pierce County Council’s Tues., Nov. 23 meeting, county traffic engineer Rory Grindley presented the new sign to councilmembers Shawn Bunney, Roger Bush, Joyce McDonald and Tim Farrell. Councilmember Barbara Gelman requested the sign and the council’s accompanying proclamation in memory of Sgt. Mark Renninger and officers Tina Griswold, Ronald Owens and Greg Richards.

A dedication ceremony will be held Mon., Nov. 29 at 10 a.m. the Lakewood Police Department Headquarters, 9401 Lakewood Drive SW, in Lakewood. Pierce Transit will provide free bus service to and from the event. You can park for free at the Lakewood Towne Center parking lot behind the Barnes & Noble and Target stores. Bus service will operate from 8:00am until noon, running every 15 minutes. Washington State Governor Chris Gregoire is expected to attend the event. Lakewood Drive SW will be closed from Steilacoom Blvd SW to 100th Street SW during the dedication event. Routes 202, 206 and 574 will be on detour from 9:00am until noon.