Hottinger proposal would memorialize fallen Kirkersville chief

COLUMBUS - A proposal by State Senator Jay Hottinger would memorialize fallen Kirkersville Police Chief Steven Eric DiSario on a portion of U.S. 40. 

Hottinger introduced the proposal during a non-voting session of the Ohio Senate Monday. 

The proposal would designate a portion of U.S. 40 in Kirkersville as "Steven Eric DiSario Memorial Highway." 

DiSario was killed in the line of duty on May 12 when Thomas Hartless ambushed, shot and killed him while responding to the area of the Pine Kirk Care Center. 

More:Kirkersville native to perform at benefit for shooting victims

More:Kirkersville to start search for new police chief

Pine Kirk Nurse Marlina Medrano, Hartless's estranged girlfriend, and Nurse Aide Cindy Krantz were also killed in the shooting. 

Hottinger said a similar proposal was introduced to honor fallen Danville Police Officer and Newark native Thomas Cottrell after he was killed in the line of duty in January 2016.

"It's just important that people remember and that's the purpose for this sort of signage," he said. "It's something the community will remember."

Hottinger said he had not spoken with DiSario's family about the proposal, but expected they would be supportive of it. 

More:Slain Kirkersville chief 'didn't know a stranger'

More:Slain Kirkersville police chief 'did what he was called to do'

"The purpose of this is not only to honor the chief and his family, but also when people are passing through, they'll read it and remember his sacrifice," Hottinger said. "They'll remember to be grateful for his service and for his life."

Hottinger's proposal will be heard by committees and then the full Ohio Senate when the body returns in the fall. If approved, it would then have to be approved by committee and the full Ohio House of Representatives before being signed by Governor John Kasich.