Missouri House bill to honoring local heroes with memorial highways, bridges
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – In a unanimous 150-0 decision, the Missouri House has passed HB 2797, a bill that underscores the state’s commitment to honoring its local heroes by designating various highways and bridges after them. The bill, sponsored by State Representative Cyndi Buchheit-Courtway, received overwhelming bipartisan support and aims to pay tribute to the remarkable contributions and sacrifices made by individuals who have served their communities and country with valor and distinction.
HB 2797, aptly titled the “Memorial Highways and Bridges Act,” encompasses a wide array of designations across the state, recognizing the selflessness and dedication of law enforcement officers, military personnel, and other community leaders.
Representative Buchheit-Courtway filed the legislation to honor fallen Police Officer Lane Burns, who was fatally shot while responding to a disturbance at a motel. Despite being wounded, Officer Burns and his partner returned fire, killing the assailant. Officer Burns, survived by his children and fiancée, served with the Bonne Terre Police Department for five years.
Notably, the bill designates highways and bridges in memory of esteemed individuals such as Dr. Dan Brown, Police Chief Mason Griffith, Sheriff John Harlow, Sheriff Roy Patterson, and many others, spanning various counties including Phelps, Gasconade, Barton, Jasper, and more.
Among the highlights of HB 2797 are:
- Designation of the “Dr. Dan Brown Memorial Highway” in Phelps County
- Designation of the “Police Chief Mason Griffith Memorial Highway” in Gasconade County
- Designation of the “Sheriff John Harlow Memorial Highway” in Barton County
- Designation of the “Constable W Earl Gowdy Memorial Highway” in the city of Liberal in Barton County
- Designation of the “Sheriff Charles LaRew Memorial Highway” in Cedar County
- Designation of the “Patrolman E.O. Bray Memorial Bridge” in the City of Carthage in Jasper County
- Designation of the “POW/MIA SSG Paul Hasenbeck Memorial Highway” in Osage County
- And many more deserving recognitions (full list available in the bill).
Furthermore, HB 2797 not only acknowledges the sacrifices of public servants and military personnel but also celebrates the legacies of families and individuals who have left an indelible mark on their communities. This includes the designation of the “Dillard Family Highway” in Dent County and the “Cotton Fitzsimmons Memorial Highway” in Pike County, among others.
The Department of Transportation will oversee the installation and maintenance of appropriate signage for these designated highways and bridges. While the costs for signage on some memorials will be covered by the Department of Transportation, others will be funded through private donations, exemplifying the community’s involvement and support for these meaningful tributes.
“In passing this legislation, we are showing our enduring gratitude and respect for those who have served and sacrificed for the betterment of their communities and the nation,” Buchheit-Courtway, R-Festus, said. “By immortalizing their names on the roads and bridges they once traversed, we ensure that their memories and contributions will continue to inspire generations to come.”
“So many Missourians have dedicated their lives to serving others, and in passing HB 2797, we pay homage to the bravery and contributions of Missourians past and present.” House Speaker Dean Plocher, R-Des Peres, said.
With its passage in the Missouri House, HB 2797 now advances to the Senate for further consideration.