Highway designation for late sheriff clears Ohio House
COLUMBUS (WJER) (Nov. 30, 2023) – A Carroll County law enforcement icon who passed away last year could soon have a road named in his honor.
The Ohio House on Wednesday passed a bill to designate state Route 39 between Dellroy and Carrollton Sheriff Dale R. Williams Memorial Highway. Representatives Monica Robb Blasdel and Don Jones proposed the tribute to Williams, who grew up on a farm along that part of Route 39 and patrolled it throughout his career.
“It is a privilege to be able to bring this legislation forward and honor one of Carroll County’s most dedicated public servants,” Robb Blasel said.
Williams started working for the sheriff’s office in 1969 as a dispatcher, later becoming a road deputy and officer for the Carrollton Police Department. He was elected sheriff in 2004 and held the title until his death last September.
“When asked one time about his goals and sheriff, he said ‘I want this county to be a better place to live, and that’s what we’re trying to do,’” recalled Jones, who got to know Williams in the four years that Carroll County was part of this district.
“The administration the community has for him shows the transformation effect that he had on the sheriff’s department,” Robb Blasdel said. He was a lifelong public servant dedicated to the county and his legacy certainly has not been forgotten.”
The bill unanimously passed out of the House and now heads to the Senate for consideration.