House Republican Press Release

June 7, 2007

Press Office: 860-240-8700

REPRESENTATIVE SCRIBNER LEGISLATION COMMEMORATES BETHEL OFFICER KILLED IN LINE OF DUTY

HARTFORD- On Tuesday, June 5, the House of Representatives approved legislation introduced by State Representative David A. Scribner (R-Brookfield, Bethel) that will designate a portion of Route 6 in the Stony Hill Section of Bethel for a Bethel police officer killed in the line of duty in 1960. House Bill 7367, An Act Concerning The Administration Of The Department Of Transportation, now moves to the State Senate for action.

Trooper James Lambert was struck and killed by a drunk driver in 1960 while making a routine traffic stop. HB 7367 would designate Route 6 in Bethel, from the Vail Road intersection to the Danbury line, as the "Trooper James W. Lambert Memorial Highway.”

 “Trooper Lambert had only recently completed his training before his was killed,” said Rep. Scribner, who helped craft the Legislation as Ranking Member (House Republican Leader) of the Legislature’s Transportation Committee. “Designating this section of highway in his honor is a fitting tribute to the ultimate sacrifice he made while on duty protecting public safety in Bethel.”

“It is my hope that this effort and honor will provide comfort to Trooper Lambert’s family and help to remember his honorable life and service to public safety,” added Rep. Scribner.

Rep. Scribner expressed his gratitude to Bethel Police Officer Ralph DeLuca for his interest and assistance in having the road named, as well as the support and encouragement of First Selectman Bob Burke and the local administration. DeLuca thanked Scribner for his help in introducing the legislation and working for its approval.

“When I became a Bethel Police Officer back in 1980, the old timers used to tell me about a Trooper who was killed out on Route 6 but it seemed a foggy memory,” said DeLuca. “When I became Bethel Police Historian a few years ago, I decided to research the case and spent the past two years doing so. I have spoken with retired officers who were involved with the case as well as civilians with knowledge of the incident. I also obtained old official news records of the case. Most importantly to me is that I have visited with Trooper Lambert’s mother, who will turn 100 in July, and have promised her that I would see her son’s sacrifice for the people of Connecticut honored.”