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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Chad Cupples began his inquiries about a memorial highway in April 2022 and began working with the area representatives to form an official request. On Wednesday, the last day of the legislative session, the Ohio House and Senate voted on bills including memorial highway designations.
A 90-day waiting period by the Department of Transportation follows, with the unveiling of signs expected in spring 2023.
Local officials are also working on creating a memorial for Bluffton police officers next to Town Hall.
On March 31, 2022, Officer Francis was struck and killed on I-75 while trying to deploy stop sticks in response to a high speed chase that reached speeds of up to 120 mph. Three men charged in the incident will stand trial in Hancock County Court in spring 2023.
