By Cynthia Grau/WJEZ News

A crowd gathered Friday morning on Route 23 at Interstate 55 for the dedication ceremony naming the stretch between the exits 197 and 201 in honor of Pontiac Police Officer Casey Kohlmeier.

Kohlmeier and his K9 partner, Draco, were killed by a drunk driver Oct. 30, 2013, while he was parked in the median turn-around on Interstate 55.

Senator Jason Barickman spoke at the dedication, saying for him, this was the best way to memorialize Kohlmeier and he saw the renaming of the section of interstate as a tribute to Kohlmeier’s memory and legacy. Barickman said Kohlmeier left you with a positive impression and seeing his name is bright lights was probably more than Kohlmeier ever wanted.

Visit our Facebook page for a video and photo album from the ceremony.