Legislation to Memorialize Slain Officer Greenlighted by Senate

The Officer John David Dryer Memorial Interchange designation got one step closer to becoming a reality Wednesday.

The state Senate passed state Rep. Brandon Neuman's H.B. 2215, which would designate the interchange at the intersection of state Route 136 and Interstate 70 in Washington County for the slain police officer.

The bill now goes to the governor for his signature.

Neuman introduced the bill to honor the life of the East Washington Borough police officer, .

"I thank the House and the Senate for its support of legislation that is so meaningful and important to the Washington County community," said , D-North Strabane.

said he was proud to work with Neuman on the legislation.

"It’s the least we could do for this man who touched so many people in the community," the senator said. "With everything going on in Harrisburg right now we wanted to make sure this didn’t get lost in the crowd and that it get done the fastest way possible."

Last December, Dryer observed a vehicle in East Washington Borough and initiated a routine traffic stop on the highway; another officer arrived to assist him. Unfortunately, a confrontation occurred and the driver shot both Dryer and the other officer. Dryer died as a result of the assault.

Dryer also served as a police officer for Donegal Township and Midway Borough. 

In addition to his accomplishments in law enforcement, Dryer successfully owned and operated the Chestnut Veterinary Clinic in Washington County and was previously employed as an equine veterinarian throughout North America.