A state representative filed a bill to commemorate a state trooper killed while conducting a traffic stop.
State Representative Hugh Shine filed House Bill 338 in memory of State Trooper Tom Nipper who was killed in Temple in Nov. 2017.
"It's such a tragic event and the least thing we can do for our first responders is to try to remember their service. And this is a way, I believe to help us remember and commemorate his service to our community," Rep. Shine said.
The bill would designate a stretch of Interstate 35 between mile marker 294 and 297 in Bell County as Trooper Tom Nipper Memorial Highway.
"I thought about making someone very special for the family and the community to remember Tom Nipper's service to our community," Rep. Shine said.
Nipper's widow, Tammy, said her family is honored about the proposal to dedicate a portion of the highway in his honor.
"I wanted to be a representation of his life, not his death because he was involved in so much and did so much to people. I want that to be remembered," Tammy said.
Tammy describes the 63-year-old as a family man who loved enjoyed spending time with her and their three children.
"We were holiday people. He loved the holidays. He liked to do the cooking of the turkey himself," Tammy said.
Tammy also remembers Nipper who was commissioned as a trooper in 1983 as someone committed to serve.
"He loved his job. He was a hard worker. He believed in what he was doing. He loved to help people," Tammy said. "The holidays will never be the same."
She hopes the dedication can inspire others to help those around them.
If legislators approve the bill, the change will happen on Sept. 1, 2019
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