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Lawmakers announce plan for Sonny Kim Memorial Highway

Part of I-71 would be named for slain officer
Posted at 5:35 AM, Sep 23, 2017
and last updated 2017-09-23 05:35:25-04

CINCINNATI - Two Ohio legislators say they will sponsor a bill to rename part of Interstate 71 in Cincinnati in honor of slain Cincinnati Police Officer Sonny Kim.

State representatives Brigid Kelly and Jonathan Dever want to name the stretch near Montgomery Road and Dana Avenue the Sonny Kim Memorial Highway. Kim was shot and killed ambush style in Madisonville two years ago.

FOP President Sgt. Dan Hils said it would be a fitting tribute to an outstanding officer.

“What a great, great honor because of the number of people (I-71) serves and its necessity,” Hils said. “Without that interstate, we wouldn't be able to function throughout the northeast part of Hamilton County up into Warren and Clermont County."

Larry Misleh, owner of Madison Diner inside Madison Bowl, likes the idea, too. Kim used to drop in for breakfast, Misleh said. Misleh honored Kim by naming a breakfast after him.

“Sonny's breakfast” is two pieces of sausage, eggs cooked over easy, cold tomatoes, one pancake and a side of home fires.

"He means a lot to the community,” Misleh said. “I think he was just a good person and he cared about everybody and was a fantastic police officer. 

The bill still has to be approved, but we're told it has support across the aisle statewide.