Stretch of Highway 38 dedicated to slain detective Jeremiah MacKay

YUCAIPA, Calif. (KABC) -- A stretch of Highway 38 in the San Bernardino Mountains has been renamed for detective Jeremiah MacKay, one of the victims of fugitive ex-cop Christopher Dorner. The dedication was unveiled Wednesday.

State Route 38 is known to many drivers as one of the main roads to get to Big Bear Lake. But from this point forward, a 5-mile stretch of the highway will be known as the Detective Jeremiah MacKay Memorial Highway.

"I can't really express the words of gratitude. This is amazing, to have a stretch of highway that people will drive and they'll see my husband's name is amazing," said Lynette MacKay, Jeremiah's widow.

MacKay was shot and killed by Christopher Dorner just outside the Barton Flats cabin where the massive manhunt finally came to an end in February 2013.

Lynette MacKay says Jeremiah would have smiled at this honor.

"He would be very proud. He's got a smile," said Lynette. "I know he's got a smile, I can see it," said Lynette.

MacKay was known for his love of the bagpipes. He played the instrument himself on a number of occasions. After the unveiling, people took turns signing the back of it.

A lot of people decided to autograph the back of the sign -- even MacKay's 18-month-old son Cayden, who wrote "I love you," and then outlined his hand.

So now the highway that Detective MacKay patrolled and protected for years will bear his name.

"He'll never be forgotten, and this is a way for him to still be up there, every day," said Lynette.