Suffolk police held a special ceremony Saturday to pay tribute to a fallen Long Island hero with a unique honor.

Police named a department vehicle for fallen U.S. Marine Cpl. Christopher Scherer. The East Northport native was 21 when he was killed by a sniper while serving in Iraq in July of 2007.

Police Chief Stuart Cameron, local lawmakers and members of the police department joined Scherer's family and friends at the East Northport Fire Department to officially unveil the Unimog vehicle and dedicate it to Scherer.

The Unimog is a multipurpose, all-wheel drive truck that was originally a farm vehicle. The Suffolk Police Department acquired it through a military surplus program and it's been repurposed to move materials, such as during a storm or blizzard.

"To have something with his name on it that's for first responders to do their job, it's so fitting," says Janet Scherer, Chris Scherer's mother.

The department chief says it's a special vehicle -- the front of it has a forklift on it and the back of it has a crane. Since it can be used in very special situations, they named it after a very special Marine.

"He was known for his crazy humor and big smile, when Chris entered a room, everyone knew it," says Tim Scherer, Chris Scherer's father.

Scherer's parents say they are grateful to their community and to first responders for remembering Chris, his service and his sacrifice.

The Suffolk Police Department has also dedicated a humvee and an emergency rescue vehicle to service members from the county who lost their lives while serving in the military.