LOS ANGELES (CNS) - LAX's pylons will be lit in blue tonight and Wednesday night to commemorate the 15th anniversary of Airport Police Officer Tommy Scott's death in the line of duty.
Scott, who was 35, died on April 29, 2005, while attempting to protect the aviation community from a suspect who stole a car with the intent of crashing it into an airplane, according to Julie Banz of the Los Angeles Airport Peace Officers Association.
Scott had confronted the suspicious suspect, but the suspect got away and jumped into a patrol car, according to a memorial page for Scott. While Scott was trying to pull the suspect out of the vehicle, the suspect sped off and drove onto the sidewalk, launching Scott from the car into a fire hydrant, killing him. It was the first line-of-duty death in the department's 59-year history.
The suspect then got into another car, but lost control and overturned the vehicle, allowing officers to apprehend him.
He was convicted of carjacking and first degree murder on Nov. 16, 2009, according to Los Angeles World Airports officials.
“Officer Scott is remembered by his colleagues as a dedicated officer with a caring attitude, a contagious smile and positive energy,” Los Angeles Airport Peace Officers Association President Marshall McClain said. “We will never forget his service and sacrifice to our community, and we applaud Los Angeles World Airports for honoring Officer Scott in this way on the 15th anniversary of his untimely death.”
Photo: Getty Images