Pezzoli Square, a parking lot on Main Street in downtown Wareham, was rededicated on Friday to inaugurate improvements to the lot as well as honor a policeman whose bravery almost cost him his life.

The rededication was coordinated by the Community and Economic Development Authority (CEDA), and featured Ray and Jeannie Pezzoli, the son and daughter of former Officer Raymond Pezzoli, among other dignitaries.

The parking lot features new pavement and an increase from 22 to 30 parking spaces. It also features two gardens, including one with Pezzoli's favorite flowers, Rose of Sharon, and other landscape improvements.

CEDA made a last minute decision to include the lot improvements as part of the recent downtown Wareham "Streetscape" project. The beautification project included repaving part of Main Street and installing red-brick sidewalks with new lighting and new benches.

"Throughout the process of renovating the downtown, one of the things that became really clear from talking to people was the issue of parking," said CEDA Director Salvador Pina.

Pina added he hoped people would take advantage of the improved lot and find it useful.

Raymond Pezzoli was a Wareham Police officer who often parked his patrol car in the current Pezzoli Square as he walked his beat on Main Street.

On January 20, 1958, during one of his patrols, Pezzoli stopped four young men who appeared to be driving around looking to rob a store downtown. As he brought them to the police station, Pezzoli was shot in the skull, and almost lost his life.

The parking lot was first inaugurated Pezzoli Square in the early 1990s, said Jeannie Pezzoli. This time was also extra special, she said.

"I wish my dad was here to see it ... My dad was touched with Pezzoli Square in the first place," Jeannie Pezzoli said. "Thank you for all of this. There were a lot of heroes [back then], and I think you're all heroes for coming today," she said.

For more on Officer Pezzoli's story, click here.