HOWARD COUNTY OFFICER REMEMBERED

A Howard County police officer is killed trying to stop speeders. Now, a man he never met wants to keep his memory alive. The officer's family talks exclusively to Eyewitness News.

Jessica Kartalija reports they hope a plaque will remind speeders to slow down.

Since Corporal Wheeler's death, State police and both Howard and Anne Arundel counties have changed their policy on the "step out" program. Officers patrolling speeders from foot can only stand along roads that are 35 miles per hour or less.

Bracelets and bumper stickers - reminders of a fallen officer, and now, Corporal Scott Wheeler's wife and mother meet a man who wants everyone to remember the officer. "It's important for the citizens of Howard County to recognize how important our public safety officers are," Howard County resident Larry Blickman said.

In June, the officer was killed trying to flag this car for speeding. Wednesday, Blickman, who never met Corporal Wheeler, will ask the Maryland Road Commission to erect a plaque where he was killed. "This is on behalf of Scott, it's about him and his remembrance. We want his name to be out there and not forgotten," Blickman said.

Blickman also wants to plant two cherry trees in his honor. "The tree is about hope, and I would like to see the two cherry trees on each side of the sign as a significance of hope for his name, his wife and his family," he said.

"He was a great guy and you know, he was just out there doing his job. And every time they see that sign, I hope they think of him. He was a great guy," said Wheeler's wife Tracy. "I want them to remember Scott for his dedication to Howard County and the public and to thank everyone for all the honors for him and please remember to slow down on the highways," said Wheeler's mother Janet.

"Every death is terrible, every death is tragic and Scott was out there trying to make a difference. Well if people would take responsibility for their actions, we wouldn't have to put our officers out there in harms way as much as we do," said Howard County chief Bill McMahon.