Nearly 10 years after a former San Francisco police officer suffered life-altering injuries after being struck by a vehicle while on duty, dozens of officers and city leaders honored him Thursday by unveiling a new street sign named after him.
In 2017, former officer Elia Lewin-Tankel was patrolling on a bicycle when a fleeing suspect vehicle struck him on Turk Street near Civic Center Plaza. Lewin-Tankel was left unconscious in the roadway.
He survived but was left permanently disabled, having to relearn basic human functions.
“His injuries sustained that day changed his life forever,” said Mayor Daniel Lurie at Thursday’s ceremony. “This street will be a lasting tribute to his heroism and the daily reminder to every San Franciscan of the risks our first responders and our SFPD take in service to our city.”
“His injuries sustained that day changed his life forever.”
— San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie
The 300 block of Eddy Street, where SFPD’s Tenderloin Station is located, was renamed “Officer Lewin-Tankel Way.” His wife, Shideh Etaat, and the couple’s son pulled off the covering of the new street sign.
“I’m really, really moved,” Etaat said in a speech. “His legacy lives on in these streets.”
The renaming ceremony to honor Lewin-Tankel’s service was a stark reminder of the danger that officers can still face on the job. A little more than 100 SFPD officers have died on duty since 1877, according to the department.
On Sunday, Officer Brittney Taylor was shot allegedly by a man in a robbery suspect vehicle in the city’s Bayview neighborhood. He was accused of fleeing from officers as they tried to conduct a traffic stop. The suspect was identified as Norris Reed III, 36, and was taken into custody.
Taylor is expected to survive.
“It’s a little heavy with this coming on the heels of what happened on Sunday,” said Police Chief Derrick Lew in a speech. “Continue to please send your positive thoughts and prayers to Brittney and her family.”
Several officers who worked closely with Lewin-Tankel shared stories about their experiences with him.
“Elia was one of the greats here at Tenderloin Station,” said Sgt. Kevin Cuadro at the event. “He loved this neighborhood. He loved this community, and the next generation is being taught that way.”
