I-90 Dedicated To Officer Fahey, Trooper Velez

LAKEWOOD, OH — The Cleveland Division of Police and the Ohio State Highway Patrol gathered together on Monday to honor the legacies of two fallen law enforcers, Officer David Fahey Jr. and Trooper Kenneth Velez. Both men were killed on I-90, and the interstate will now bear their names in remembrance of their sacrifices.

A ceremony held at 14740 Lakewood Heights Blvd. saw law enforcement officials and supporters gather under a white and blue tent, all grouped together to remember the two fallen men. Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson and Cleveland Police Chief Calvin Williams were both in attendance at the event, as was Lakewood Mayor Michael Summers and other politicians from throughout the state.

"My hope is, as the years go by, young children in cars will drive by and they'll say to their moms and dads, 'Who was Trooper Velez? Who was David Fahey Jr.? Who were these men?" State Representative Thomas Patton said at the event. "I hope their parents will say 'These were remarkable men. These were the best of the best.'"

Members of both the Fahey and Velez families were on-hand to witness the unveiling of the interstate dedication. State Representative Dan Ramos, one of Velez's cousins, also spoke during the ceremony, saying it was both incredibly difficult and a great honor to place his cousin's name on I-90.

Ohio State Highway Patrol Trooper, Kenneth Velez was struck and killed by a vehicle along a stretch of I-90 in Lakewood on Sept. 27, 2016. Velez, 48, was a graduate of the 118th Academy class in November 1989. He is survived by his three children.

Patrol Officer David Fahey died on Jan. 24, 2017. He was killed in the line of duty, trying to protect motorists on I-90 after a car accident disrupted morning traffic. Fahey was a local boy. He attended St. Edward's High School in Lakewood and graduated in 1995. He went on to serve in the US Navy. He joined the Cleveland Police Department two years ago, in July 2014. He was assigned to the city's first district, on the West Side.

Cleveland Police streamed the ceremony on Facebook and video of the event is available below.

Photos from Cleveland Police and Ohio State Highway Patrol