Michael Browning reached his lifelong goal of becoming a police officer in August 1991. Nine months later, his dream — and his life — was cut short when he was run down trying to stop a car thief.

Last Thursday, 15 years after his death, about 70 West Chicagoans came together to remember and celebrate Browning’s life during the unveiling of Michael Browning Way, a ramp connecting Routes 38 and 59.

“This is a happy day because we are dedicating a part of West Chicago to those who gave the ultimate sacrifice to the city they loved,” Police Chief Don Goncher said.

Goncher presented Browning’s father, Robert, with his cadet badge and a replica of the street signs bearing Browning’s name.

“This is just a fantastic ceremony and dedication by all the wonderful people of West Chicago,” Robert Browning said. “I couldn’t ask for any more. Everybody’s been fantastic.”

Robert said his son was easygoing and had always wanted to be a cop in West Chicago.

“He was the type of guy who wanted to help people as opposed to writing tickets,” Robert said.

Immediately after Browning’s death at age 23, the West Chicago Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 85 set up a memorial fund awarded to students majoring in criminal justice. The fund is just one way Browning’s memory lives on.

“He’s frequently in our hearts and in our minds,” Kroning said.

Browning was killed April 20, 1992, as he tried to stop Ronald Alvine from stealing a car out of a dealership showroom. Alvine ran Browning down in the stolen vehicle and was sentenced to death in 1993. After several court reversals, Alvine received permanent reprieve when then-Gov. George Ryan halted all death sentences in 2000.

Alvine is currently serving a life sentence.

The death hit the community hard and kicked Mayor Michael Kwasman, a newcomer to the city when Browning was killed, into action. Kwasman and his family had moved to West Chicago to escape the violence in Chicago. The death thrust Kwasman into politics, where he successfully lobbied for four additional patrol officers and police protection measures.

“What this family gave to our city must be remember generation after generation,” Kwasman told the crowd. “This a memory for the living, not for the departed.”

Cmdr. Spencer Kroning said the ramp dedication is an important step in helping fellow officers heal and to remind West Chicagoans of the tragedy that occurred at the car dealership just a block away from the ramp. “It’s a way that he can be remembered right here in the community where he grew up and worked.”

Donations to the Michael Browning Memorial Fund can be sent to State Bank Illinois, 600 E. Washington St., West Chicago, IL 60185. Or call (630) 231-1800. All donations will go toward providing scholarships to students majoring in criminal justice.