Licking Today

Governor Mike DeWine has signed Substitute House Bill 81, which includes a provision to honor Patrolman James P. Gardner by designating a portion of U.S. Route 62 in Alliance, Ohio, as the Patrolman James P. Gardner Memorial Highway. This legislation was originally part of House Bill 482, sponsored by State Representative Kevin Miller from Newark.

The designated section of the highway stretches between Western Avenue and South Mahoning Avenue. State Rep. Kevin Miller, who has over two decades of service with the Highway Patrol, expressed gratitude for the recognition given to first responders and veterans: “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 lost his life at age 24 in a patrol car crash while pursuing a traffic violator on U.S. Route 62 near Alliance. Before joining the Ohio State Highway Patrol, he served in World War II with the U.S. Navy and was honorably discharged after three and a half years.

The bill received bipartisan support in both legislative chambers before being enacted by Governor DeWine.