In what is set to be a small yet enduring tribute, a slice of US Route 33 in Auglaize County might soon bear the name of Lt. James A. Kirkendall, an Ohio State Highway Patrol officer who laid down his life in the line of duty over five decades ago. State Representatives Roy Klopfenstein and Angie King recently put into play a bill to designate a part of this highway as the Lt. James A. Kirkendall Memorial Highway, honoring the legacy of the fallen officer. "We must always remember and honor the sacrifices our first responders make for the safety of our communities," Klopfenstein underlined in a statement obtained by the Ohio House of Representatives.
The bill's introduction aims to commemorate Lt. Kirkendall's ultimate sacrifice perpetually and to keep his memory alive in the everyday tangibly. It's an effort to remind us never to forget those who have given their all in the pursuit of public safety. "May this highway be a reminder to all who travel through Auglaize County of Lt. Kirkendall’s bravery and dedication to protecting his state," added Representative King. The bill awaits an official number and committee assignment in the House. Lt. Kirkendall is remembered as the post commander of Post 81 in Van Wert, where he met a tragic end on October 28, 1970, according to the Ohio House of Representatives.
Klopfenstein and King, both Republicans, underlined the importance of recognizing the hard work and sacrifices of first responders like Lt. Kirkendall. In a landscape often cluttered with fleeting memories and transient tributes, this highway renaming seeks to offer a more lasting homage to a life dedicated to service.
The new legislature, if passed, will entail stenciling new signs and ensuring maps are updated to reflect the renamed stretch of US Route 33. It is a small but significant gesture never to let the story of a man who lived, served, and died through the ethos of public service. As the process unfolds, Auglaize County might soon find itself cruising down a road that not only leads to their destinations but also, in their memories, reflects the heroism of Lt. James A. Kirkendall.
