A section of Hamill Road may soon have a secondary name in honor of fallen Chattanooga police Officer Nicholas Galinger.
Officer Nicholas GalingerA resolution, to be voted on during the council’s May 7 meeting, designates the section of Hamill Road between North Crescent Club Drive and Cassandra Smith Road as “Officer Nicholas Galinger Road.”
Nicholas Galinger, 38, died after being struck by a car late at night on Feb. 23 on Hamill Road in Hixson while inspecting a manhole cover after recent heavy rains. Police arrested 55-year-old Janet Hinds in connection with Galinger’s death.
It was Councilman Chip Henderson who got the ball rolling for the commemorative street naming. He said he got the idea while driving by another road with a commemorative name and thought it was something the city should do for Galinger.
So, about four weeks ago, he gave Chattanooga Police Department Chief David Roddy a call and then filed the paperwork with the Chattanooga Department of Transportation.
Roads can be named after people who have died and the city council has to approve each request, said Ben Taylor, director of transportation operations with the city’s transportation department.
“It’s something that we need to do and, certainly, something we want to honor him and the sacrifices that he made,” Henderson said.
The police department is “extremely grateful for everyone that played a role in recognizing the life and loss of Officer Nicholas Galinger,” Roddy said.
Councilwoman Carol Berz said she thinks it’s a “wonderful idea to honor the fallen officer.”
And Councilman Ken Smith, whose district is where the stretch of road is located, said “it’s the least we could do to honor Officer Galinger and his family for the sacrifice and service to our community.”
Galinger’s father, Barry Galinger, said the family is overwhelmed with the city’s support.
“It’s so humbling and it’s just so kind of the city and the city council to do something in his honor,” he said, thanking the city and the police department. ” We’re looking forward to seeing it.”
Barry Galinger and his wife, Gretchen, have been back to Chattanooga several times, nearly once per week since Nicholas Galinger’s death, he said.
“I actually look forward to the trips because I’ve really learned to love that city like my son did,” he said.
They’re coping better with their son’s death, he said.
“We have our moments,” he said. “I’ve learned the difference between sad tears and happy tears.”
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