BLOOMING GROVE TOWNSHIP -- Corporal Bryon Dickson's legacy will live on in the place he was sworn to serve and protect.
Little more than a year after the deadly ambush at the Blooming Grove state police barracks, Dickson was honored with a highway exit in his name at an emotional ceremony on Friday morning.
This much is clear to Darla Dickson: her son, state police Cpl. Bryon Dickson, will live on thanks, in part, to a lasting memorial to his service and sacrifice along Interstate 84 in Pike County.
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"To have others remember Bryon, this is absolutely heartwarming to us," said Darla Dickson. "Only thing is, we wish he was here."
The Blooming Grove exit is now the Cpl. Bryon K. Dickson II exit. His widow Tiffany could not hold back the tears.
"Thank you so much for doing this. I miss him so much."
Governor Tom Wolf joined in with other state and local officials in asking everyone to remember what Dickson, a Marine and state trooper, did for his others.
'We can't take that for granted," the governor said. "He put his life on the line."
State Senator Lisa Baker, (R, 20th District) pushed to have the exit named after Dickson and had unanimous support in Harrisburg.
"Every time we pass this exit, this sign will be a reminder of the true sacrifice of a true hero," said Sen. Baker.
Newswatch 16 was at the Blooming Grove exit in mid-September, 2014 when troopers rushed to the scene after the sniper attack at the barracks that killed Dickson and wounded Trooper Alex Douglass.
Now troopers will always remember Dickson as the leader they say he was.
"The barracks is a mile and a half from here and they will see that every single day when they're coming and going doing their business," said Lt. Brian Vennie, Pennsylvania State Police. "Perfect spot, very fitting tribute."
