Brewster Legislation Gains House Approval
Harrisburg – June 11, 2014 – State Sen. Jim Brewster’s legislation naming the ramp off of the McKeesport-Duquesne Bridge to State Route 148 for Officer Frank Miller Jr. has been unanimously approved by the House of Representatives and now heads to the governor for his signature into law.
“I am thankful that the House moved my legislation in honor of Officer Miller and I am hopeful that the governor will sign the measure into law,” Brewster (D-McKeesport) said. “The naming of bridge ramp for Officer Miller will serve as a reminder of his sacrifice.”
Miller, who was 25 and walking his downtown beat patrol in McKeesport on Nov. 10, 1993, was shot by an assailant with his own weapon after a scuffle. Miller had been on the job for only six months before his tragic death.
State Rep. Marc Gergely (D-McKeesport) said that the legislation for Officer Miller was appropriate and that he was glad that the measure quickly cleared the state House.
“Honoring Officer Miller by having a portion of the McKeesport-Duquesne Bridge named for him is fitting and I was very pleased that the House acted quickly in moving Sen. Brewster’s legislation,” Gergely said. “Frank Miller was a young, devoted police officer who served the city and he deserves to be remembered for his life and his work.”
Brewster introduced Senate Bill 1225 in the Senate in January. It cleared that chamber in May on a unanimous vote.
“We should pause to remember that Officer Miller was dedicated to helping people and serving the public and his life was taken in the line of duty,” Brewster said. “Police officers, firefighters and emergency service personnel have difficult jobs and they often step into life-threatening situations in order to protect the public.”
The bill, passed yesterday in the House, was signed today both in the Senate and the House. These were the last procedural steps before it is presented to the governor.
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