In a move designed to honor a fallen hero, State Rep. Julie Olthoff (R-Crown Point) has sponsored a resolution that seeks to rename a section of U.S. Highway 30 after the late Sgt. William Gilbert Paterson, a Lake County officer who died in the line of duty. The proposal, titled House Concurrent Resolution 2, suggests designating the stretch of highway from mile marker 15 to mile marker 16 as the "Sergeant William Gilbert Paterson Memorial Mile."
Sgt. Paterson, an 18-year veteran with the Lake County Sheriff's Department, tragically lost his life on January 25, 1994, while engaging in a high-speed pursuit of a stolen vehicle which ultimately collided with his patrol car. This resolution, authored by Olthoff, aims to formally remember Sgt. Paterson's sacrifice more than three decades later. "As an officer of the law, Paterson made the ultimate sacrifice in the name of service, courageously protecting his community from harm," said Olthoff in a statement aiming to further highlight the bravery of the fallen sergeant, as per the Indiana House Republicans.
Paterson's dedication to service was not limited to his police work; he also served his country as a member of the United States Air Force Reserve and the Lake Michigan Coast Guard Reserve. His military involvement extended to participation in Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm as part of Port Security Unit 303. A senior airman with the 928th Air Force Unit at O’Hare Airport at the time of his death, according to his detailed history, Paterson was also a Hobert High School graduate who went attended Indiana University Northwest.
The resolution successfully passed the House Committee on Roads and Transportation and is now moving to the House floor for further consideration. Residents and those interested in the proceedings of the Indiana General Assembly can follow the session and learn more detailed information about the resolution by visiting the official website where updates will be promptly posted.
