SALT LAKE CITY — Utah lawmakers are drafting a new plan to honor one of Utah's fallen police officers by renaming a road in Utah County after Santaquin Police Sgt. Bill Hooser, who was killed in the line of duty in 2024.
Lawmakers told KSL they want to find a way to remember Hooser in his hometown, and where his family has roots. That's why they're proposing HB266. It would rename state Route 198, connecting Main Street in Payson and Main Street in Santaquin, as Sgt. Billy D. Hooser Memorial Highway.
It's not only where Hooser lived and worked, but also close to where he died. In May 2024, Hooser was hit and killed by a man driving a semitruck fleeing a traffic stop on I-15 in Santaquin. KSL is told his death was difficult for many people in Santaquin and Payson. So bill sponsor Rep. Douglas Welton, R-Payson, said this is one way he won't be forgotten.
"It's impacted all of the communities I represent, we have a tremendous amount of respect for our law enforcement officers, and it's just important we recognize the service and sacrifice that they make," said Welton.
In December 2024, Congress passed a law naming the post office in Santaquin after Sgt. Bill Hooser. If Utah lawmakers pass HB266, the road from Payson to get there will be named after him as well.
At last check, Utah lawmakers were still discussing the bill in committee meetings. It's not yet made it to the House floor. But Welton expects it won't have any problem getting passed.
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Brian Carlson
