TRENTON – A measure sponsored by Senators Jeff Van Drew and Fred H. Madden, which would designate Route 9 in Cape May County as “Police Unity Tour Memorial Highway,” was unanimously approved today by the Senate Transportation Committee.

            Started in 1997, the Police Unity Tour was created to increase awareness of the National Law Enforcement Officers’ Memorial in Washington, D.C.  The Police Unity Tour has chapters throughout the country, including two in New Jersey, which work to raise awareness and funding for the national memorial.

            “This bill would help to increase awareness of the Police Unity Tour, and help secure funding to expand the D.C. memorial, to allow it to honor the men and women who have lost their lives protecting public safety,” said Senator Van Drew, D-Cape May, who serves on the Senate Transportation panel.  “We must do all we can to thank the law enforcement officials who have lost their lives while keeping us safe.”

            The Senators’ bill, S-632, would direct the State Department of Transportation to erect signs along the highway, noting the name change.

            The Police Unity Tour would cover the cost of the new signs.

            “As a former State Trooper, I’ve lost friends and colleagues in the line of duty, and some of their names are written on the walls of the D.C. memorial,” said Senator Madden, D-Camden and Gloucester, who serves as Vice Chairman of the Senate Transportation panel.  “This legislation would honor fallen officers, and ensure that though they are gone, they will not be forgotten.”  

            The measure now heads to the full Senate for approval.

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