CONWAY, AR — People remember a fallen officer who died in the line of duty, one year ago today.
Conway Officer William McGary was hit by a car as he directed traffic after an accident.
Tonight, his family and friends put together a vigil in his honor.
And even with all the rain, dozens of people came to Simon Park for the event.
People remembered a man who died in his uniform, a uniform he loved to put on everyday because family members say he liked helping people and giving back to the community.
Along with music, people held blue glow sticks at the vigil tonight.
Friends say the sticks represent the light inside Officer McGary.
His girlfriend, Melody Erickson, said, “I remember Will. I hope it reminds people of the danger they (police officers) face everyday. It might not be a gunshot or a stabbing or whatever, but it could be a car. It can be a car wreck. “
Officer McGary was on the Conway police force for two years.
But in that short time, the young man impacted a lot of people.
His supervisor said after the accident strangers would just come up to him and say Officer McGary was a good man.
Erickson said she started an organization to help the families and communities of other fallen officers.
It’s called the Blue Crew.
To find out more about them, you can like the Blue Crew Facebook page by clicking here.
Meanwhile, Barry Strickland — the driver who police say hit Officer McGary — was arrested.
He’s been charged with several things including DWI and careless driving.
Strickland has not gone to trial yet.
If you would like to follow Melissa Schroeder’s reports on Facebook, you can click here and like her page.
Conway Officer William McGary was hit by a car as he directed traffic after an accident.
Tonight, his family and friends put together a vigil in his honor.
And even with all the rain, dozens of people came to Simon Park for the event.
People remembered a man who died in his uniform, a uniform he loved to put on everyday because family members say he liked helping people and giving back to the community.
Along with music, people held blue glow sticks at the vigil tonight.
Friends say the sticks represent the light inside Officer McGary.
His girlfriend, Melody Erickson, said, “I remember Will. I hope it reminds people of the danger they (police officers) face everyday. It might not be a gunshot or a stabbing or whatever, but it could be a car. It can be a car wreck. “
Officer McGary was on the Conway police force for two years.
But in that short time, the young man impacted a lot of people.
His supervisor said after the accident strangers would just come up to him and say Officer McGary was a good man.
Erickson said she started an organization to help the families and communities of other fallen officers.
It’s called the Blue Crew.
To find out more about them, you can like the Blue Crew Facebook page by clicking here.
Meanwhile, Barry Strickland — the driver who police say hit Officer McGary — was arrested.
He’s been charged with several things including DWI and careless driving.
Strickland has not gone to trial yet.
If you would like to follow Melissa Schroeder’s reports on Facebook, you can click here and like her page.
