Pavliga's 'Patrolman William J. Keller Memorial Highway' Bill Approved by the General Assembly

COLUMBUS – The Ohio House of Representatives concurred with the Ohio Senate this week on Substitute House Bill 81, which designates a portion of State Route 76 in Portage County as the "Patrolman William J. Keller Memorial Highway," announced State Rep. Gail Pavliga (R-Portage County).

"I am so happy for Patrolman Keller’s family that we are one step closer to ensuring his memory lives on,” said Pavliga. 

On October 14, 1972, Patrolman Keller was struck by a pickup truck while conducting a traffic stop on Interstate 76 in Rootstown, Portage County. With just 10 months of service, Officer Keller made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.

He was a member of the Ravenna Post and was a graduated of the 93rd Academy Class. Patrolman Keller was just 27 years old when he died.

The portion of Interstate 76 that runs through Rootstown Township in Portage County that could be dedicated is Mile Post 35.3 through Mile Post 41.1.

House Bill 81 now heads to the Governor ‘s desk and awaits his signature.