'We Have A Chance To Honor A Hero'

FEDERAL WAY - A student in Federal Way wants to name a new school after an officer killed in the line of duty.

Federal Way police officer Patrick Maher died on the job in 2003, when he was shot with his own gun as he tried to break up a fight between two brothers.

13-year-old Kara Dameron is leading the drive to honor a man she never knew.

"We have a chance to honor a hero," she said.

She wants the Federal Way school board to name a new Middle School after Maher.

The board has rejected the idea. But Kara hopes this will change their minds.

A Chippewa tribe from North Dakota is adopting Officer Maher.

"We honor Patrick Maher as a great warrior," said John Kirk of The Little Shell Pembina Band Tribe.

"It's really overwhelming," said Renee Maher, Patrick's wife. "I think Patrick would be so proud and so honored to be part of the tribe."

The adoption could be critical because Federal Way School Board policy says middle schools can only be named for a person, place or event in Native American literature.

"And if that is one of the stumbling blocks to the school's policy that has now been eliminated, officially and on the record," Kirk said.

But three of five board members told KOMO 4 News this will not change their minds. They say naming the school for Maher still isn't in keeping with their policy.

Keep in mind, the board did name its new high school after 9-11 hero Todd Beamer, who fought the hijackers on United flight 93.

So, Kara isn't ready to quit.

"I'd rather do this than spend my time at the mall, go shopping, look at boys, you name it that a 13 year old girl would do," Kara said. "This is more important to my life."

Kara says Officer Maher gave his life protecting the community. Now she'll do whatever it takes to protect his memory.

Kara will go before the school board again Tuesday night to plead her case. She's collected 492 signatures from people who support the idea of naming the school after Officer Maher.