Vote Could Memorialize Fallen Officer on Freeway

A plan to name a portion of the San Bernardino (10) Freeway in memory of a 26-year-old Alhambra police officer who died in the line of duty is one step closer to reality.

A resolution to name the stretch of the 10 Freeway in Alhambra as the Officer Ryan Stringer Memorial Highway passed on a 67-1 vote in the Assembly on Monday.

"I am proud to have introduced this legislation to honor Ryan's memory," said Assemblyman Mike Eng, D-Alhambra, who co-authored the bill with Assemblywoman Bonnie Lowenthal, D-Long Beach, and others.

"Once adopted, it is my hope that this resolution will help us always remember Officer Stringer for his commitment to protecting our community and for making the ultimate sacrifice while serving us honorably,'' Eng said.

Stringer had served with the Alhambra Police Department for two years when he was killed in a car crash last July 10 while responding to a possible robbery. Stringer had recovered from an earlier life-threatening motorcycle accident a year prior that put him in a coma for several weeks. But he returned to active duty in January 2011, displaying "determination and will to succeed,'' according to the proposed resolution.

Stringer is survived by his parents, Sonny and Debbie Stringer, and four sisters, Kristen Stringer-Bartel, Kym Genes, Dana Stringer and Donna McCulloch. ACR 100 will now move to the state Senate for consideration.