Tribute to fallen Lower Burrell police officer in place

The bond between the Lower Burrell community and late K-9 Officer Derek Kotecki continued to strengthen Saturday with the dedication of a city park in Kotecki's honor.

Nearly 100 people gathered at Officer Kotecki Memorial Park on Wildlife Lodge Road for the unveiling of the new entryway arch that bears Kotecki's name.

Police Chief Tim Weitzel, who took a lead role in coordinating the project, thanked dozens of individuals and businesses for the time, effort and donations to complete the memorial that's been five years in the making.

“It takes a village,” said Weitzel. “This is an example of a community of people coming together.”

The dedication began with the national anthem and a moment of silence for Canonsburg police Officer Scott Bashioum, who was killed in the line of duty Nov. 10.

A contingent of Lower Burrell police officers attended Bashioum's funeral Wednesday, just as officers from across the region attended Kotecki's funeral after he was fatally shot in an on-duty ambush on Oct. 12, 2011.

Although a committee began planning the memorial not long after Kotecki's death, they hit several snags that delayed the project's completion until this fall.

Weitzel said more than 50 people and businesses contributed to all aspects of the entrance, including the design and landscaping, forming and erecting the steel arch, building the masonry pillars, and crafting and hanging the sculptural elements.

Weitzel was especially thankful to John and Jodi Young, who own a structural steel company and whose expertise helped the group overcome several challenges in completing the steel arch.

“They got this project done, and that's why we're standing below it today,” said an emotional Weitzel. “It means more to me than you'll ever know.”

Weitzel said he appreciated that the columns supporting the arch are called cruciform beams because of their strength and cross-shaped symbolism — which he thought was an appropriate ode to Kotecki's Catholic faith.

Also appropriate was the name of the paint — “honorable blue” — chosen to coat the metal.

Weitzel said Saturday was the first time even those involved in the project saw everything unveiled at once.

As soon as the sculpted 6-foot replica of Kotecki's No. 27 badge was mounted on the arch, it was covered with a blue tarp. The same was done after the sculpted bust of Odin, Kotecki's canine partner, was mounted on a brick pillar below the badge.

The wind gusted through the park Saturday morning and flapped the tarps, as though a higher power also was ready for the unveiling.

“I think Derek's with us, keeping the rain away,” Weitzel said. The rain held off for an hour, until the last cars were leaving the park.

The entrance is not quite finished.

Kentucky sculptor Stephen Paulovich, a New Kensington native, still needs to complete the finials of athletes that will top each pillar. The road below the arch will be paved, landscaping finished and plaques recognizing Kotecki and donors added to the pillars.

Nonetheless, organizers were anxious for the dedication, especially with October marking the five-year anniversary of Kotecki's death.

“It very much captures what we're trying to do to honor Derek's sacrifice,” Weitzel said. “And it's beautiful.”

“It's a way for the whole community to remember Derek,” said Julie Kotecki, Derek's widow. “From the bottom of our hearts — I'm so appreciative of what everyone did. It couldn't have been possible without everyone's help. It's beautiful.”

Julie Kotecki and her sons, Alex, 14, and Nicholas, 18, brought Odin, the now 10-year-old German shepherd who was retired after Kotecki's death and lives with the family.

After the crowd dissipated, Alex Kotecki led Odin to the pillar that bears his name and likeness. At one point the dog sat and turned his face in profile, unconsciously mimicking the sculpture's pose.

“It's a fantastic thing to drive by this every day,” said Councilman Chris Koziarski, who oversees the city's parks. “Please enjoy it every single day.”

Liz Hayes is a Tribune-Review staff writer. Reach her at lhayes@tribweb.com or 724-226-4680.