OTTAWA- Exactly six months after Kevin Gregson was found guilty of killing Ottawa Police Constable Eric Czapnik the city renamed a street in honour of the fallen officer.

The city named a road between the Ottawa Police Station on Saint Joseph and Old Tenth Line, ‘Eric Czapnik Way.’

“It’s a small gesture for the ultimate sacrifice that he gave serving his community,” said Mayor Jim Watson.

Dozens of officers from Czapnik’s platoon were on hand with Police Chief Charles Bordeleau.

“Today we stand here together to honour the man behind badge 1907, Eric Czapnik. A dedicated, compassionate hard-working husband, father and police officer,” said Bordeleau. “The dedication of ‘Eric Czapnik Way’ is intended to memorialize his life not his death, for it was in his life he was a true hero.”

Eric’s family were also at the ceremony Thursday afternoon. His son Lukasz Galazka, 29, spoke on behalf of the family.

“I think this is something that will help us and does help us, knowing that there’s just a lot of love from the city and we just appreciate it.” said Galazka. “I know my father is watching right now, probably with a huge smile on his face because he always liked things to go his way and now he can, cuz he got Czapnik’s way.”

He also said since the conviction in March the family has spent quality time together even taking a trip to Disney World in Florida.

Eric’s youngest son Anthony just turned six on Tuesday and said he had a great time.

“I had lots of fun,” said Anthony. “I saw Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck and I saw Minnie Mouse.”

Eric’s widow, Anna Korutowska, was also on hand to accept a plaque for the family and says she doesn’t live or work in Orleans, but will be passing this street quite often.

“We’re really, really honoured and humbled,” said Korutowska. “I truly hope that (when people pass by) they will know who Eric Czapnik is first of all and if they don’t that they’re taking time and maybe trying to figure out and find out who he was and what he did for the city of Ottawa.”

The road is the only way officers or the public can access the station at 3343 St. Joseph Blvd., and Czapnik’s colleagues were already marking this as an honour, stopping to take pictures of the new street sign after their shifts.

Ottawa Police hope to soon have more streets in the city renamed in honour of other fallen officers.