News

House committee hears Decker bill

Photo: Photo courtesy Minnesota House Public Information Services

Feb 6, 2013 at 6:15 am

ST. PAUL, Minn. (KNSI) The Minnesota House Transportation Policy Committee heard a bill Tuesday that would re-name an 11-mile stretch of Minnesota Highway 23 the "Officer Tom Decker Memorial Highway."

Decker was a Cold Spring police officer who was shot and killed during a call in November.

Representative Jeff Howe introduced the bill, which proposes to erect signs alojng the highway from Wakefield Township to Richmond in honor of Decker.

Cold Spring Police Chief Phil Jones testified on behalf of the bill, calling it an "inexpensive way to memorialize an officer who gave his life to the community."

St. Cloud DFL Representative Zachary Dorholt fought back tears as he talked about the bill. Dorholt said, quote--"as someone who knew Tommy and his family, this is the least we can do."

A companion bill sponsored by Paynesville Senator Michelle Fischbach awaits action by the Senate Transportation and Public Safety Committee.