Miller

HARRISBURG - Legislation designating a portion of Route 611 from Main Street in Tobyhanna to Interstate 380 in Coolbaugh Township, Monroe County, as the Trooper Joshua D. Miller Memorial Highway, is poised to pass the House and will likely go to the governor for enactment next month.

“I recently spoke at a memorial ceremony for Trooper Miller commemorating his efforts to protect us as well as those of law enforcement in Monroe County and across the state,” said Rep. Mario Scavello (R-Monroe/Pike). “Designating this highway after Joshua Miller will be a solemn reminder of his dedication and service, but also a commemoration of his life and service.”

After the House votes on final passage of Senate Bill 1070, it will be headed to the governor’s desk for enactment. The bill is similar to a measure Scavello introduced in July, House Bill 1845.

“I was pleased to present the Act of Valor Award to the family of Joshua Miller at a ceremony presided over by the Tri-State Troopers Fund Inc., Monroe County Crime Stoppers and the Greater Pocono Chamber of Commerce Crime Task Force to recognize the heroism of the four officers who responded that night,” said Scavello.

On June 7, 2009, Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Joshua D. Miller suffered fatal wounds after an armed suspect fled the scene of a domestic dispute and led police on a 40-mile high speed pursuit. When the suspect was finally pulled over, gunfire erupted, also seriously injuring Trooper Robert J. Lombardo. The suspect was also killed, but the suspect’s child was rescued unharmed.

“This highway designation will not bring Joshua Miller back, but it will keep him in our thoughts every time we travel this stretch of road,” said Scavello.