Memorial Highway Legislation Passes Ohio House

COLUMBUS—State Representative Tracy Richardson (R-Marysville) announced the unanimous House passage of legislation that honors two local law enforcement heroes that lost their lives in the line of duty.

A portion of State Route 309 in Marion County will be recognized as the “Deputy Sheriff Bill Bender and Trooper Randy Bender Memorial Highway.” In 1973, Deputy Sheriff William “Bill” Bender was killed along Route 309 in Marion while enroute to set up a road block as a result of an escape from a nearby jail. Just 9 years later, his son Trooper William “Randy” Bender died after being struck by a tractor trailer while directing traffic at a construction site.

“The sacrifice of these officers as they served their communities and the unique pain their family has endured should be recognized,” said Richardson. “This road designation ensures they are not forgotten and will honor them with a permanent tribute in their community.”

House Bill 616, which designates a portion of Interstate Route 275 in Hamilton County as the “Officer Kaia L. Grant Memorial Highway” was amended in House Transportation and Public Safety Committee to include other road designations from throughout the state.

On March 21, 2020, Officer Kaia L. Grant tragically lost her life in the line of duty while pursuing a suspect in a domestic violence dispute.

Also included in the bill is the designation of a road to honor the late State Representative Don Manning, who passed away while in office in March. Newly-inducted State Rep. Alessandro Cutrona (R-Canfield) offered the amendment on the floor today in memory of his predecessor.

The legislation now heads to the Senate for consideration.