Governor DeWine Signs Legislation to Designate the Patrolman James P. Gardner Highway

COLUMBUS – Governor Mike DeWine has signed Substitute House Bill 81, which includes legislation to honor the life and service of Patrolman James P. Gardner. The original bill, House Bill 482, was sponsored by State Rep. Kevin Miller (R-Newark), a former member of the Highway Patrol with over 20 years of service.

A portion of U.S. Route 62, between Western Avenue and South Mahoning Avenue in Alliance, Ohio, will be designated as the Patrolman James P. Gardner Memorial Highway.

“We are thankful for our veterans and first responders who answer the call to serve,” said Miller. “I am grateful to the Governor for signing this into law and we can properly honor Patrolman Gardner.”

Patrolman Gardner was killed in a patrol car crash at the age of 24 while pursuing a traffic violator near Alliance on U.S. Route 62. Prior to his employment with the Ohio State Highway Patrol, Gardner was honorably discharged after serving for three and a half years with the U.S. Navy in World War II.

Substitute House Bill 81 passed with bipartisan support in both chambers before being signed by the Governor.