House Republican Press Release

July 30, 2008

Press Office: 860-240-8700

 CEREMONY COMMEMORATES BETHEL OFFICER KILLED IN LINE OF DUTY

HARTFORD- On Tuesday, July 29, state and local officials held a ceremony in Bethel naming a section of Route 6 for a Bethel Police officer killed in the line of duty. The ceremony took place along Stony Hill Road, just west of the intersection of Old Hawleyville Road, in front of the Newtown Savings Bank branch in Mountain Laurel Plaza, beginning at 9:30 a.m.

In 2007, the Legislature approved an initiative introduced by State Representative David A. Scribner (R-Brookfield, Bethel) that will designate the section of roadway for Trooper James Lambert, who was struck and killed by a drunk driver in 1960 while making a routine traffic stop. The roadway will be known as the "Trooper James W. Lambert Memorial Highway.”

 “Trooper Lambert’s death was a tragedy for the Bethel Community, as he was killed on duty while protecting public safety and had only just completed his training,” said Rep. Scribner, who serves as Ranking Member (House Republican Leader) of the Legislature’s Transportation Committee. “Designating this stretch of highway in his honor ensures that present and future generations will remain aware that the people of Connecticut are indebted to him.”

Rep. Scribner thanked 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.

In addition, to state and local officials, a dozen state troopers and two representatives from the Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), who traveled from greater New Haven, attended the ceremony. Rep. Scribner noted the MADD representatives attended to highlight the fact that Trooper Lambert was killed by a drunk driver.

“We are working hard to bring attention to DUI issues and just because this incident happened 48 years ago, doesn’t make it any less significant,” said Rep. Scribner.

State Police have also offered to transport Rep. Scribner and Detective DeLuca to Maine, where Trooper Lambert’s mother lives, to present a ceremonial sign of the roadway designation. Mrs. Lambert recently turned 100 years old.