Senate committee approves multiple memorial highway designations, including Officer Peter Grignon

The Senate Transportation Committee considered its customary road‑naming resolution and heard members describe the local figures proposed for Memorial Highway designations. Chair explained the process requires local government approval and said the resolution honors people who have died and made significant community contributions.

The resolution includes a Memorial Highway for Officer Peter Grignon of Jefferson County; the text recounted his background (a degree in police administration), that he was shot while on patrol and later died, and that the Louisville Metro Police Foundation was established following his death. Chair summarized the proposed Memorial Highway designation for Officer Grignon and asked committee members for comments.

Senator Smith asked for patience while verifying details and said the committee was correcting a long‑standing oversight by naming musician Jean Ritchie. Senator Storm described Les Leatherman's 39 years of public service (EMT, dispatcher, assistant 9‑1‑1 director, volunteer fire/rescue instructor) and recounted that he was killed while protecting his wife in a tornado. Senator Wheeler outlined three namings he sponsors — Melvin Ferrell Memorial Highway (law enforcement), Destiny Brewer Memorial Highway (DUI awareness), and the Jerry Keith and Patricia Lou McPeak Memorial Highway (longtime local businessman and educator in Pike County). Senator Elkins said a portion of KY‑460 would be named for Gary Eggleston, a decorated Vietnam veteran.

The committee adopted the committee substitute (sub) and voted to report the joint resolution favorably; the clerk announced 'Senate resolution joint resolution 139 is reported favorably with expressions of opinion that same shall pass' with the committee substitute attached. Members voiced approval for the sub and the motion carried in committee.

The transcript indicates the committee follows a rule limiting two road namings per state representative and three per senator and emphasized that local governing‑body approval is required before a naming proceeds to final action. The hearing concluded with a title amendment motion and adjournment.