Committee refers bill to name highway for fallen officer/firefighter to Ways and Means

The Transportation Finance and Policy Committee on March 11 referred House File 35 93 to the Ways and Means Committee after hearing testimony from the family of Officer/Firefighter Ariel Schroeder Jr.

Representative Jacobs introduced the bill, saying the measure would designate the southernmost 1.4 miles of Highway 58 through Zumbrota as the "Officer/Firefighter Ariel Schroeder Junior Memorial Highway." Jacobs noted local support, donor-funded sign costs and that no taxpayer funds were requested.

Gary Schroeder Sr. described his son’s service as a police officer and volunteer firefighter, and recounted traumatic calls and the family’s loss. "It's okay not to be okay," Schroeder Sr. told the committee, urging recognition of mental-health consequences for first responders. His wife, Kimberly Schroder, called naming the stretch of highway a way to remember Ariel’s service and to raise awareness about PTSD among first responders.

Committee members offered condolences and, with no committee questions or requested changes, moved the bill to Ways and Means.

The bill will next be considered by the House Ways and Means Committee; sign costs were described as the responsibility of the requesting party and the testimony indicated community donations would cover them.