NEWS RELEASE



For further information please contact: Corporal Julie A. Scerine

314/340-4028

#C010631

November 1, 2006



EMPHASIS: I-44 Memorial Highway Dedication Honoring Fallen Trooper Ralph Tatoian





Captain Ronald S. Johnson, Commanding Officer of Troop C, St. Louis would like to announce that on Thursday, November 9, 2006, ceremonies will be conducted to dedicate a portion of I-44 as a memorial highway honoring Trooper Ralph Tatoian. Trooper Tatoian lost his life on April 20, 2005, in the line of duty while serving the citizens of Missouri.



Dedication ceremonies will begin at 10:00 a.m. at the Missouri State Highway Patrol, Troop C Headquarters, located at 599 S. Mason Rd., St. Louis, Missouri. This ceremony will honor Trooper Tatoian who tragically lost his life in a motor vehicle crash on I-44, while responding to a SERT callout in Franklin County.



Senate Bill 667 establishes the Trooper Ralph Tatoian Memorial Highway on I-44 in Franklin County. The bill was signed by Governor Blunt and became effective on August 28, 2006.