City leaders to honor fallen TPD officer who was killed 77 years ago News City Council, News General, News Tampa Police Honoring Fallen Tampa Police OfficerA Tampa police[...]

A Tampa police officer who was killed 77 years ago protecting a young newspaper boy who was in the line of fire of ruthless criminals, will be honored for his brave actions and the ultimate sacrifice he paid upholding his oath to protect his community.

An honorary street sign with Officer Morris Lopez's name will be unveiled next week at the corner of Centennial Park in Ybor City, along 9th Street and 1800 E 8th Avenue. It will serve as a solemn reminder of the 25-year-old police officer who was on foot patrol July 9, 1949, at the intersection of 7th Avenue and 16th Street, when he was shot by criminals. Due to the limited evidence and forensic technology of the time, the suspects were never identified and the case remains unsolved.

Moved by the young police officer's extraordinary courage, Councilman Luis Viera, and Councilman Guido Maniscalco, led the effort to honor Officer Lopez with an honorary street sign in Ybor City's iconic Centennial Park.

"We can't let heroes who have paid the ultimate sacrifice get lost in time," said Councilman Luis Viera. "Though we will never be able to sufficiently show our gratitude for Officer Morris Lopez's actions, an honorary street sign will allow us to share with countless Tampanians the story of a selfless man who deeply loved his community and proved it until his last moment."

"Officer Morris Lopez, and heroes like him, who put their life on the line to make our lives safer, are the reason why Tampa is a place we are proud to call home," said Councilman Guido Maniscalco. "We are forever grateful for Officer Lopez and with this small gesture hope his legacy is honored for generations to come."

The honorary street renaming ceremony will take place Monday, September 28, at 10:30 A.M. at the corner of 9th Street and 1800 E 8th Avenue in Ybor City.