Highway Dedication for Patrolmen Bedell and McManis
Joe Lyons •
August 30, 2023
(Castalia) – Earlier today, a portion of two state routes in Erie and Huron counties were dedicated to two Ohio State Highway Patrol patrolmen who died in the line of duty more than 80 years ago.
The eastbound and westbound lanes of state Route 113, between State Routes 4 and 99 in Erie and Huron counties were dedicated as the Patrolman Leroy S. Bedell Memorial Highway.
Patrolman Bedell was killed in a motorcycle crash on August 20, 1935, when a dog lunged at his motorcycle on state Route 113, which was formerly state Route 59. Patrolman Bedell attempted to take evasive action to avoid striking the animal, which resulted in him losing control of the motorcycle and crashing. He was the second person in Patrol history killed in the line of duty.
The northbound and southbound lanes of state Route 269, between Potter and Parker roads in Erie County were dedicated as the Patrolman Paul L. McManis Memorial Highway. Patrolman McManis was killed in a crash on September 28, 1941, while responding to a call. He was the ninth line-of-duty death in Patrol history.
Today’s highway dedications are a fitting tribute to two men who made the ultimate sacrifice to the state of Ohio,” said Colonel Charles A. Jones, Patrol superintendent.
House Bill 578 made the dedication possible.
