ELK GROVE, Calif. — Fallen Elk Grove Officer Tyler "Ty" Lenehan was honored Tuesday nearly a year after he was hit and killed by a wrong-way driver.
A sign will cover the memorial dedication on Highway 99 in both directions between Sheldon Road and Grant Line Road. The signs will be installed later by Caltrans.
"Usually, military service banners are posted for twelve months and removed. Once installed in front of District 56, Ty’s banner will be a permanent fixture thanks to our City Manager and City Council," the Elk Grove Police Department wrote in a Facebook post.
Lenehan was killed on Jan. 21 after a suspected drunk driver struck his motorcycle while going the wrong way on Highway 99.
Police Chief Bobby Davis helped lead a heartbroken department through the grief.
"We became united, and it was almost a rebirth of who we are and what we need to be for our community. As a result of this traumatic loss for us, we came together," said Davis.
Lenehan's death is considered to be a line-of-duty death as he was in full uniform and on his way to work on his EGPD motorcycle. It was the first time EGPD has suffered a line-of-duty death.
The highway sign is meant to honor his life for his family and for those who knew him.
"When you lose somebody, everybody says nice things about them. But Ty really was all those nice things. He truly was," said Nicole Sutherland, a Galt resident whose fiancé worked the same shift as Lenehan.
Nearly a year after the end of his watch, Elk Grove continues to honor Lenehan's memory and they intend to do so for years to come.
Who was Officer Tyler "Ty" Lenehan?
Lenehan joined EGPD in 2016. He was a six-year veteran of the police department. He took pride in serving his community and his work was recognized by all in Elk Grove. He also served with the Citrus Heights and Galt police departments.
Josh Magdaleno is a sergeant for the Elk Grove Police Department motor unit, and said at Lenehan's funeral, "In the years to come, the Elk Grove Police Department will become stronger because of Ty bringing everyone together."
According to EGPD Chief Timothy Albright, Lenehan was a husband, a father to his two children, a son, a friend, a proud U.S. Air Force veteran and a family member to those at the department.
"Officer Lenehan’s service will never be forgotten. His positive attitude, infectious smile, and bright personality will forever be missed," EGPD said in a press release.
Jermaine Walton, accused of hitting and killing Lenehan, was charged with felony murder and felony hit and run with death or permanent serious injury in Jan. 2022. He is scheduled to be back in court on Feb. 1.
Watch more on ABC10: Elk Grove police officer Tyler Lenehan killed by suspected drunk driver
