Governor Mark Dayton signs bill into law honoring fallen Cold Spring police officer

ST. PAUL, MN - Today, joined by the family of fallen Cold Spring police officer Tom Decker, Governor Mark Dayton signed a bill designating a segment of Highway 23 in Stearns County to be named "Officer Tom Decker Memorial Highway."

The legislation (SF76/HF146), authored by Rep. Jeff Howe and Sen. Michelle Fischbach, honors the life and memory of Officer Decker by naming an eleven-mile stretch of road after him between Richmond and the eastern border of Wakefield Township.

A six-year veteran of the Cold Spring Police Department, Officer Decker was killed in action on Thursday, November 29, 2012 at the age of 31. Decker was an active member of his community and the Police Department. During his years of service, he received five Letters of Appreciation and one Special Commendation - which is the department's second-highest award involving heroism.

/governor/assets/tom_decker_memorial_hwy.jpg_tcm1055-96918.jpgA photo of the press conference can be downloaded here.