GALT, CA (MPG) - On the fourth-year anniversary of the passing of Galt Police Officer Harminder Grewal, a special recognition was made in honor of his sacrifice, dedication and amiable character. 

A street sign that bears the name “Officer Grewal Parkway” now stands off Marengo Road by the new Liberty Ranch housing development.

Police, city officials, family and community members first gathered around noon Aug. 26 for the fourth annual wreath-laying ceremony for Grewal. The Grewal family had relatives who traveled from India to attend the events and U.S. Rep. Doris Matsui also attended.

For the first time, the ceremony was held in front of the bronze bust of Grewal at the Galt Police Department, unveiled last February.

 

Family members of Officer Harminder Grewal place flowers below the bronze bust of the fallen officer, located in front of the Galt Police Department, during the wreath-laying ceremony on Aug. 26.

 

On Aug. 21, 2021, a pickup truck crossed the median on Highway 99 and collided head-on with the patrol car carrying Grewal and his partner, Officer Kapri Herrera. The two were headed north to assist in Caldor Fire evacuation efforts in El Dorado County. Both officers were pulled from the wreck and hospitalized in critical condition. Herrera survived the collision, however, Grewal succumbed to his injuries four days later, on Aug. 26.

Since then, his passing has had a lasting impact on the Galt community.

“This is the fourth anniversary of the loss of Harminder Grewal, who was of course a son, a brother and a police officer, a member of our family here at the Galt Police Department,” Police Chief Brian Kalinowski said at the ceremony. “It’s important for us to remember as an organization, as a community and as members of our greater Grewal family … that we take time every year to reflect on the sacrifice Harminder made trying to make our community a better place to live.”

Grewal’s sister, Navdeep Sidhu, delivered an emotional speech about her brother’s legacy.

 

Officer Harminder Grewal’s sister, Navdeep Sidhu, spoke about her brother’s legacy during the fourth annual wreath-laying ceremony held at the Galt Police Station on Aug. 26. 

“He wore his badge with pride and it was heart that totally made him a hero,” she said. “We must remember his sacrifice and honor his life, and we promise to keep his spirit alive in our heart forever.”

After the ceremony, attendees gathered for the sign’s unveiling for the street named after the fallen officer. The Galt Police Department honor guard stood by as Kalinowski shared a few remarks before inviting Mayor Shawn Farmer to speak.

Standing in front of the Liberty Ranch housing development, Farmer noted the importance of memorializing Grewal’s sacrifice as Galt grows. Farmer thanked the City Council, Planning Commission and staff for making the dedication possible.

 

The family of Officer Harminder Grewal had the honor to do the official sign unveiling for the street dedicated to the Galt Police Department fallen officer, who died because of a vehicle collision while on duty in August 2021. 

Family members unveiled the sign and posed for photos afterward.

Kalinowski said one more tribute is planned, a freeway designation in Grewal’s honor. A resolution is in the works in the state Legislature and was expected to be approved by Aug. 29, he said.