Portion of I-71 to be memorialized for Cincinnati Police Officers

COLUMBUS –State Representative Cindy Abrams’ (R-Harrison) legislation to designate a portion of I-71 as the “Officers Dennis Bennington and Robert Seiffert Memorial Highway” was recently passed with House Bill 291. 

Officers Bennington and Seiffert were killed in the line of duty March 6, 1979 after pulling over an offender with an open felony warrant for robbery. While attempting to evade arrest, the offender shot and killed both officers. 

“After 42 years, this memorial is long overdue,” said Abrams. “It is important to pay tribute to these heroes who dedicated their lives to the city and citizens of Cincinnati, each serving for over 8 years, and paid the ultimate sacrifice.” 

The precise portion of I-71 is located in Hamilton County. 

In addition to the “Officers Dennis Bennington and Robert Seiffert Memorial Highway,” H.B. 291 included a variety of memorial highways and bridges offered by different legislators across the state to honor local heroes. 

The measure now heads to Governor Mike DeWine.