Forest Acres, SC (WLTX) - A portion of Beltline Boulevard will be renamed in honor of Greg Alia, the Forest Acres officer who lost his life in the line of duty nearly a year ago.
A ceremony will take place Thursday for the renaming. Alia was killed by a suspect last fall while responding to an incident at the mall along Beltline.
The 32-year-old was a seven-year veteran of the Forest Acres Police Department. He grew up in the ColumbiA area, and was a graduate of Richland Northeast High School and the University of South Carolina
Meanwhile, his widow, Kassy Alia, announced plans Tuesday for a charity night in her husband's memory. It's called "A Knight of Honor," and will take place October 7th at the Rockbridge Tennis Club.
Kassy began Heroes in Blue not long after her husband died. The organization's mission is to promote officers' relationships with the community and help support any other families who lose a loved one in the line of duty.
A few special police officers will be "knighted" at the event to honor them for the work they've done.
"My husband was an amazing man, and there are many other men and women who are amazing too and we shouldn't wait until they die to celebrate them," she said.
USC football great Marcus Lattimore was also at the event Tuesday, and says Kassy's courage has inspired him.
Tickets for the gala are on sale now online and include dinner and drinks and Celtic music.