COLUMBUS—State Senator Michael Rulli (R-Salem) this week announced the Governor's approval of a road naming bill honoring the lives and legacies of several heroes from the Mahoning Valley. 

House Bill 276 requires the Ohio Department of Transportation to place signs along the designated roadways recognizing the sacrifices of PFC Ronald J. Puskarcik, Lewis John Speece, Jr., the Canfield Armed Forces and Canfield First Responders. 

"This legislation seeks to memorialize the lives of heroic Ohioans, whose bravery is an example worthy of emulation for future generations," said Rulli. "I am hoping this small act serves to keep their memory alive in this community for many years to come."

PFC Ronald J. Puskarcik

PFC Ronald J. Puskarcik served in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Vietnam War and was killed in action on July 18,1968.

In his honor, the eastbound and westbound lanes of SR 422, between the intersection of SR 616 and the intersection with the border of Pennsylvania, in Mahoning County will be named the “PFC Ronald J. Puskarcik Memorial Highway.”

Lewis John Speece, Jr.

Lewis John Speece, Jr. was a WWII Marine Corps veteran and the founder and president of the War Vet Museum in Canfield, Ohio. He died at home, surrounded by his family, on February 6, 2015.

Under House Bill 276, the bridge spanning I-76 along SR 46, located in Canfield Township, in Mahoning County will be renamed the “Lewis John Speece Jr. Memorial Bridge."

Canfield Armed Forces and Canfield First Responders

The bridge spanning SR 11 along USR 224 will be named the “Canfield Armed Forces Bridge” and the bridge spanning I-76 along Herbert Road will be named “Canfield First Responders Bridge." Both are located in Canfield Township in Mahoning County.