SENATOR BETSY JOHNSON DISTRICT 16

Press Advisory

May 11, 2011

CONTACT:

Molly Woon (503) 986-1074

Johnson carries bill naming “Police Chief Ralph Painter Memorial Highway”

SALEM – Senator Betsy Johnson carried a bill this morning on the Senate floor that names a stretch of Highway 30 between St. Helens and Rainer as a memorial highway honoring Police Chief Ralph Painter, a 50-year local resident who was shot and killed while on patrol this past February.

“Police Chief Painter dedicated his life to public service in St. Helens and Rainer,” said Johnson. “He gave the ultimate sacrifice in the line duty. This is a small gesture to honor his life and service.”

Painter was a graduate of St. Helens High School and joined the Rainer Police Department in 1988. He was with the department until his death, becoming Chief of Police in 2006. Painter was shot and killed after responding to a call from a local car stereo shop in which a man was attempting to steal a car. He is survived by his wife, seven children, and 12 grandchildren.

“Police Chief Painter was a community leader in every sense of the word. His absence is felt in the towns he grew up and served in. My heart goes out to his wife and family and I hope this memorial of his service will provide a small reminder of how appreciated Chief Painter was in his community,” said Johnson.   

HB 3354 will officially rename the corridor between St. Helens and Rainer after Painter. Any associated costs for signage will be covered by private donors.

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