Staff report

The Ohio Senate passed a bill designating a portion of state Route 11 in honor of Nicholas P. Cayton, an Ohio State Highway Patrol trooper killed Oct. 16.

The Senate on Wednesday unanimously passed the legislation sponsored by state Sen. Al Cutrona, R-Canfield, to name a section of state Route 11 between U.S. Route 224 and Leffingwell Road the “Trooper Nicholas P. Cayton Memorial Highway.”

Cayton, who worked out of the Canfield Post, was killed when his cruiser with flashing lights was hit from behind by a truck on Route 11 in Canfield when he was assisting another truck driver.

The bill needs approval from the Ohio House.

Cutrona said: “I’m proud to see the Senate recognize the service and sacrifice of Trooper Nicholas Cayton. While this honor cannot fill the void left by his passing, this memorial will be an ever present reminder of the legacy to duty and service Trooper Cayton provided to his nation and community.”

Cayton was honored Wednesday at the 38th annual Candlelight Vigil on the National Mall. He also will be honored Friday at the National Peace Officers’ Memorial Service at the U.S. Capitol. Both honor fallen law enforcement officers in honor of National Police Week, which ends Saturday.