Highway memorials honor fallen troopers

Fallen State Highway Patrol troopers who gave their lives in the line of duty defending all Missourians from dangerous criminals have been given proper memorials due to legislation recently passed by the General Assembly.

In this part of the state, this includes one of the most tragic and memorable losses: the March 1985 slaying of Trooper James Froemsdorf at mile marker 134 along Interstate 55 in Perry County. A six-mile stretch of I-55 is now named for Froemsdorf, thanks to a bill sponsored by state Rep. Patrick Naeger of Perryville and signed into law by Gov. Bob Holden on the first anniversary of the execution of his killer.

The brutal shooting of Trooper Froemsdorf stunned people in this part of the state, but sadly, his loss isn't the only one in the last 20 years. Others include:

Sgt. Robert Guilliams, who died in a crash in February 2001 while responding to an earlier accident. The I-55 bridge where he died in Pemiscot County will bear his name.

Sgt. Randy Sullivan, who was killed in an accident near Fredericktown, Mo., in February 1996, while pursuing a speeding vehicle. A section of Highway 72 will be named for him.

Trooper Kelly Poynter, who was struck and killed by a drunken driver last January while working an accident near Houston, Mo. A portion of Highway 63 in Texas County will be named for him.

Surely this form of tribute is fitting for our finest in law enforcement.