HIghway 65 interchange named for Matt Redding

Friends and family of Rocklin police officer Matthew Redding, watch the unveiling of the new interchange sign unveiled Tuesday in honor of Redding who was killed during a traffic stop in 2005.A Rocklin interchange was officially named after officer Matthew Redding, who was killed during a traffic stop in 2005.The interchange at Stanford Ranch Road and Galleria Boulevard at Highway 65 was designated Tuesday as the "Officer Matthew J. Redding Memorial Interchange."Tuesday's dedication ceremony took place on the two-year anniversary of Redding's death. "We owe a lot to the community," John Redding, father of Matthew Redding said Wednesday. "We really want to thank them not only for there outpouring of love and support, but we also owe a lot to them because Matthew was a product of this community. He went to Del Oro High School and Sierra College and worked for the police department - all that chiseled and molded him."John and his wife Marilyn attended the memorial unveiling held at American Furniture Galleries parking lot overlooking the new sign, along with friends of family from all over the South Placer County area.Officer Redding, 29, was directing traffic in the northbound lanes of Highway 65 south of Stanford Ranch Road after an earlier felony traffic stop around 4 a.m. Oct. 9, 2005 when he was struck by a 1998 Ford Ranger pickup truck driven by 26-year-old Eric Dungan. At the time of the crash, Dungan, 26, had a blood alcohol level of .18 - more than twice the legal limit. Dungan was sentenced to 15-years-to-life in prison earlier this year for Redding's murder.Donations from the community helped cover all costs to erect the new signs.Larry Osborne, race director of the annual Run Rocklin event, presented a check for $10,000 to the Matt Redding Scholarship Foundation. The check is expected to benefit local high school students with an interest in law enforcement and public safety. Senate Concurrent Resolution 10 designating the new sign, co-sponsored by Senator Sam Aanestad and Senator Dave Cox, was entered into California law on July 10, after approval from the State Senate and Assembly. "It is an honor to be here today to memorialize the courage and the life of Officer Matthew Redding," said district representative Dana Jorgensen, on behalf of Sen. Dave Cox, R-Fair Oaks, who could not attend the service because of a special session of the California Legislature. "Mr. Redding served with selfless dedication. His valor was outstanding."Cox also acknowledged the friends and family of Redding. "It is with their love and support that Officer Redding was able to serve his community," Cox said.. "Mr. and Mrs. Redding, you should be especially proud to have raised a community-minded son who devoted his life to protecting others. As a father of three and a grandfather of six, I commend you for your sacrifice. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of this memorial. Redding was raised in Rocklin and attended Del Oro High School. In less than four years on the Rocklin police force, Redding was selected to serve on the Rocklin-Roseville Police Departments Regional SWAT Team. In 2004, Redding earned the Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) California Hero Award due to his efforts to prevent drunk driving. At the time of his death, he was the Rocklin Police Department's highest producer of DUI arrests."We are so honored to have the signs up to continue his legacy," John Redding said. "It warmed our hearts. Sometimes we are still in denial that he is gone and we won't see him again, but to the see the signs was very heart-warming."The Granite Bay Press Tribune's Brad Alexander contributed to this story.