SENATOR KOLKHORST FILES BILLS HONORING FALLEN LAW ENFORCEMENT

  

Amid a year of unprecedented violence against police officers, Senator Lois W. Kolkhorst has filed Senate Bill 364 & Senate Bill 365.

The legislation, filed on Monday, will honor two area peace officers who were killed in the line of duty, by naming a portion of State Highway 95 in Lavaca County as the Sergeant David M. Furrh Memorial Highway, and naming a portion of U.S. Highway 90A in Lavaca County as the Sheriff Ronnie Dodds Memorial Highway.

"This year Texans have seen many senseless attacks on law enforcement. That's why I am proud to honor some of our fallen heroes in our community," said Senator Kolkhorst.

Sergeant David Furrh was a narcotics officer for the Gonzales County Sheriff's Department with twenty-two years of service in law enforcement.  He was killed in the line of duty on December 6, 2000 while running a narcotics search warrant in neighboring Caldwell County.

“The Furrh family is deeply honored by the service of David, who was a beloved son, father and grandfather. His selfless service to the community has been duly noted by Senator Kolkhorst by the filing of this bill," said the Furrh family. "Our family is truly blessed to be able to share David’s law enforcement legacy with the State of Texas.”

Senator Kolkhorst said that all Texans deserve to know the story of Sergeant Furrh, who gave his life to protect our great state.

In a similar story, Sheriff Ronnie Dodds served as the Lavaca County Sheriff, giving five years of service before he was tragically killed in the line of duty on September 28, 1969 while transporting a prisoner.

"The family of Sheriff Dodds deeply appreciates the efforts of Senator Kolkhorst to bring about the placement of a memorial  highway sign for our beloved family member. Our father and grandfather loved his job and was dedicated to protecting the citizens of Lavaca County.  We, his family, look forward to seeing the sign erected as it will be a lasting memorial to a man who was much loved by family and friends."

Kolkhost said that she was moved by the story of Sheriff Dodds and how he sacrificed his life for the people of Lavaca County.

"He was a devoted Sheriff who went to work every day and never planned to become a hero.  The Sheriff Ronnie Dodds Memorial Highway will be a small token of appreciation for his sacrifice," said Kolkhorst.