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Seals' widow, Tina, and 10-year-old son Trevor, were shown the memorial during an emotional presentation made at last Wednesday's board of aldermen meeting.
The permanent memorial contains a picture of Seals, his badge and an American flag inside an enclosed glass case. It will be displayed inside city hall.
Trevor Seals received a replica of his father's badge. Next to the badge was the inscription, "He answered the call with honor and gave his all."
"He (Trevor) thought that was awesome," Tina Seals said.
Erliche Williams, 21, the driver of the car that struck Seals, also was killed in the crash. A passenger, Michael Otey, 21, pleaded guilty to felony charges of second-degree murder and resisting arrest. He was sentenced to 20 years in prison for his part in Seals' death.
The two occupants had committed a home invasion robbery in Fulton earlier in the day and fled after being spotted by a Missouri state trooper. Williams lost control of his car while trying to pass a patrol car, causing the vehicle to overturn.
The car struck Seals, who was standing beside his police cruiser in the median between the interstate and the South Service Road.
At the time of his death, Seals was employed full time at May's Service, Inc., in Warrenton. He worked part-tme in Truesdale.
Tina Seals said the family has managed to overcome some of the grief related to that fatal October day. She and her son continue to live in the Washington area.
"We're trying to take it day by day," Tina Seals said. "Some days are harder than others. We have a new normal now. I thank God for him (Trevor) every day. He's helped me get through this."
The effort to establish the memorial was spearheaded by Lt. Mike Kelly and other city employees. Kelly, who has been a part-time officer in Truesdale since 1997, also previously worked with Seals in Foristell.
"He did whatever was requested of him," Kelly said. "You wouldn't think of being in danger working in Truesdale on a Sunday afternoon. It's something you deal with as part of the job.
"He always wanted to do his best. He would walk up and talk to anybody. He was a real likable guy. He was real personable."
Mayor Murray Bruer, a former police officer, is glad to see Seals continue to be remembered.
"There's not enough attention being paid to police departments and police officers individually," he said. "It such a unique brotherhood, a fraternity. When you're not in it, you don't understand it."
Tina Seals said her family will always be thankful for the support they've received from the city, whether it be visits around Christmas or the new memorial.
"It means a lot that we're not forgotten," she said.
