McKenzie County Farmer - Latest News

M.K. French
Farmer Staff Writer

In a moving tribute to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice, Senate Bill 2277 was introduced in the North Dakota Legislature last Thursday to designate Highway 200 as the “North Dakota Fallen Peace Officers Memorial Highway.” This initiative aims to honor the 62 peace officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty in the state.
Travis Bateman, a former law enforcement officer, has helped spearhead the effort to secure this designation. “Since before statehood...there have been those that have held the line between peace and chaos,” Bateman testified before the legislative committee. “These brave souls have done right and proper within their communities, and in doing so, they have made the ultimate sacrifice.”
Bateman, a driving force behind the initiative, is a former law enforcement officer with a distinguished career spanning over a decade. He served in various roles, including as a police officer in Stanley, Watford City, and Arnegard, as well as a deputy sheriff in McKenzie County. Bateman’s testimony before the Legislature displayed a deep understanding of the challenges and risks faced by peace officers, and his passion for honoring their service and sacrifice.
In his testimony, Bateman recounted the stories of officers like Senior Patrol Officer Keith Braddock, Sergeant Steven Kenner, Deputy Bryan Sleeper, Officer Jason Moszer, Deputy Sheriff Colt Allery, Officer Cody Holte, Officer Jake Wallin, and Deputy Sheriff Paul Martin, whose lives were tragically cut short while serving their communities. “Every time agencies must don a mourning band over their shield or star means that another peace officer has been called home,” Bateman said, emphasizing the profound impact of these losses on law enforcement agencies and families. The proposed designation would not only honor all fallen officers but also allow families or agencies to designate a one-mile portion of the highway in memory of an individual officer or a police canine killed in the line of duty. “This is a way to ensure that these heroes are never forgotten,” said Bateman.
The initiative has garnered widespread support from law enforcement agencies, families of fallen officers, and the public. In his testimony, Bateman acknowledged the efforts of many other individuals who are helping to make the designation a reality. Among them is retired McLean County peace officer Curt Olson, who Bateman credits with holding “an immense knowledge and record of our state’s law enforcement history.” He also thanked Senator Keith Boehm for his support, as well as Beulah Police Chief Frank Senn, Burleigh County Sheriff Kelly Leben, and the North Dakota Peace Officers Association for their involvement in the effort.
Bateman will appear before the McKenzie County Commission Board on February 4, asking them to draft a resolution in support of the bill. He also plans to enlist the cooperation of the other counties that Highway 200 runs through. As the bill moves through the legislative process, it is hoped that it will receive swift approval. If passed, the designation will serve as an ongoing reminder of the courage and sacrifice of those who have paid the ultimate price for our safety and security.

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