AFFTON, Mo. — A fallen hero's name lies across the new St. Louis County Police Department's Affton-Southwest Precinct.
The new building on 11500 Gravois Road in Sappington is dedicated to the late Officer Blake Snyder, who tragically lost his life in the line of duty in 2016.
This new facility, slated to be named after Officer Snyder, symbolizes more than just bricks and mortar; it embodies a legacy of courage, sacrifice, and community spirit.
"It's now not just a building but it's a home," Peggy Snyder, Blake's mother, said.
Snyder was murdered while on duty in 2016 when he approached a suspect and asked him to show his hands in Green Park.
Several things have been named in his honor, including the new 15,000-square-foot building.
Reflecting on the journey that led to this moment, Snyder and his former wife expressed the emotional rollercoaster the family has endured since the tragic incident.
"It's been a rollercoaster, lots of waves. Lots of emotions, a lot of healing. But good things have come from this entire situation," Elizabeth Tucker said.
The new precinct represents a significant upgrade for officers serving in the Affton-Southwest area, offering ample space and modern amenities to carry out their duties effectively.
"There's plenty of office space. Security infrastructure. Technology. An outstanding community room," Chief of Police Col. Kenneth Gregory said.
Attorney General Andrew Bailey emphasized the appropriateness of naming the precinct after Officer Snyder, ensuring that his memory and sacrifice endure for generations to come.
"His legacy and his memory will live on in perpetuity, and the sacrifice he made will not be forgotten," Bailey said.
District 5 Councilwoman Lisa Clancy echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the importance of providing law enforcement with a safe and modern working environment.
For Officer Snyder's family, being part of the department's future brings a sense of pride and fulfillment.
"You walk into this building with integrity. You walk into this building with love. You walk into this building with compassion. You walk into this building with honor," Peggy Snyder addressed her son's fellow officers.
Reflecting on what Officer Snyder's reaction would have been to the new precinct, Elizabeth Tucker said, "He'd probably cry. He was a very emotional man. He would have been blown away."
A spokesperson for the St. Louis County Police Department said they are putting the finishing touches on the new precinct and that the building will be open to the department and the public within the next few months.