Memorial Highway Dedication for Patrol’s Lieutenant James A. Kirkendall.

Monday, a memorial highway dedication ceremony was held at the Ohio State Highway
Patrol’s Van Wert Post to honor Lieutenant James A. Kirkendall, who died in the line of duty in a crash
involving two trucks on U.S. Route 33, just west of St. Johns in Auglaize County, on October 28, 1970.
Governor Mike DeWine and Colonel Charles A. Jones, Patrol superintendent, joined members of Lieutenant
Kirkendall’s family as the memorial sign was unveiled, dedicating the eastbound and westbound lanes of U.S.
Route 33, between County Road 191 and Boundry Road, as the Lieutenant James A. Kirkendall Memorial
Highway.
“Dedicating this highway in the name of Lieutenant Kirkendall is making a promise that we will never forget
his sacrifice,” said Governor Mike DeWine. “A promise that his story will not fade with time and a promise that
the values he lived by — service and courage — will continue to guide us as a state.”
At the time of his passing, Lieutenant Kirkendall served as the commander of the Van Wert Post, where he was
well known throughout the community and among fellow law enforcement officers. He was also a veteran of
World War II.
“Fifty-five years after Lieutenant Kirkendall’s passing, his example continues to reflect the highest ideals of
service,” said Colonel Charles A. Jones, Patrol superintendent. “This highway dedication stands as a permanent
reminder of his leadership and the enduring legacy he left within the Division.”
State Representatives Roy Klopfenstein and Angela King, the primary sponsors of House Bill 51, attended the
ceremony. Their sponsorship of the bill made the highway dedication possible.
Also in attendance were Van Wert County Prosecutor Eva J. Yarger, Van Wert County Commissioner Thad A.
Lichtensteiger, Van Wert Mayor Kenneth J. Markward and Van Wert County Sheriff Thomas M. Riggenbach.
The Patrol’s memorial highway dedications honor those who lost their lives while serving the motoring public.