Neuman Legislation Honoring Officer John David Dryer Becomes Law

Gov. Tom Corbett signed legislation Thursday naming a Route 70 intersection in honor of a policeman shot to death during a routine traffic stop.

And not only was it a meaningful moment for , D-North Strabane, because he had introduced the legislation about the tragedy that hit close to home, it was also the first time a bill introduced by the freshman legislator has been signed into law by the governor.

The Officer John David Dryer Memorial interchange at I-70 and Route 136, created by H.B. 2215, honors the sacrifices Officer Dryer made to protect the community.

Dryer was working as an East Washington Borough police officer when felled by motorist gunfire near the memorialized Washington County intersection on Dec. 19, 2011.

“I am pleased that the legislature and Governor Corbett have supported my effort to honor the memory of a hero who lost his life in the effort to protect us all,” said Neuman. “My heart goes out to the Dryer family; I hope no other family has to go through what they did.”

Neuman said a dedication ceremony for the newly named interchange will be held in the near future, with invitees including Dryer’s family and friends.

“We are planning a dedication of the interchange so family, friends and the community can honor the life of Officer Dryer,” Neuman said.

Neuman previously succeeded in honoring Dryer, who also served as a police officer in Donegal Township and Midway Borough, with H.R. 578.