By Paula Scott
On Wednesday, December 14, a local contingent witnessed the legislative steps creating the Officer Dominic Francis Memorial Highway between mile markers 139 and 143 on Interstate 75 in Bluffton. The group met with House Speaker Robert Cupp (R-Lima) and Jon Cross (R-Kenton), toured the state house and, according to Bluffton Police Chief Ryan Burkholder, “were given the red carpet treatment.”
Those present were JAMPD Park Ranger Chad Cupples, who initiated the request to create a memorial highway; Ricki Francis, widow of Officer Francis; Taylor Born, daughter of Officer Francis; Bluffton Police Chief Ryan M. Burkholder, Sgt. Tyler Hochstetler, and Lt. Matt Oglesbee. The group was introduced to legislators from the balcony.
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