MENDOTA HEIGHTS, Minn. — It's been 10 years, but the gathering along the stretch of Dodd Road now marked as Officer Scott Patrick Memorial Highway was just as impressive as when the first memorial was laid.
Mendota Heights Police Officer Scott Patrick was making a routine traffic stop at 12:20 p.m. on July 30, 2014. The man he pulled over, Brian Fitch — a lifelong criminal and wanted fugitive — opened fire, killing Officer Patrick in the street.
Ten years later, at 12:20 p.m., that moment was marked with silence.
Dozens of law enforcement officers and first responders from Mendota Heights and the surrounding communities paid tribute.
"I make the choice to remember the good things," said Officer Patrick's former partner Bobby Lambert, now a Dakota County Sheriff's Deputy.
Friends like Lambert were struck with emotion at the moment and reminisced about the way — in life — Officer Patrick made them feel.
"And in the end, that's what matters most," Lambert said.
Officer Patrick's wife of 26 years, Michelle, kept her remarks light — talking about how they met and joking about how she helped him through law enforcement school
"I had to actually be like 'C'mon this is easy. C'mon, keep it up!" she said.
The grassy area near the intersection of Dodd Road and Smith Avenue has been the site of many tributes to Officer Patrick over the years.
Those that care about him promise to continue honoring his memory for years to come.
"So it's very touching," Michelle Patrick said.
