Committee approves bill to honor fallen SLMPD Officer

St. Louis Metropolitan Police Officer David Lee died on September 22, 2024.

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – The Missouri House Special Committee on Urban Issues voted unanimously Wednesday to advance House Bill 957, which seeks to enshrine the name of St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department Officer David Lee in the city he gave his life protecting.

The bill proposes designating the section of I-70 between Carrie Avenue and Adelaide Avenue in St. Louis City as the Police Officer David Lee Memorial Highway. Assistant Minority Floor Leader Marlon Anderson of St. Louis is sponsoring the legislation.

“Officer Lee's service and commitment to keeping our community safe should be remembered forever in St. Louis,” Anderson said. “His tragic loss also represents the sacrifice every first responder makes when they go into our communities everyday and put their lives at risk for the cause of public safety.”

On the morning of Sept. 22, 2024, Officer Lee responded to a car crash on I-70. As he was working to place traffic cones to divert traffic from the area, Lee was struck by a passing vehicle whose driver had lost control. Officer Lee was rushed to St. Louis University Hospital where he died in surgery.

Lee left behind his wife and two children. He also left behind a legacy of service, loyalty and dedication, having served 18 years with the SLMPD. The Police Officer David Lee Memorial Highway in St. Louis City is one small way the St. Louis community, and the entire state of Missouri, can honor one of their own who gave his life in their service.

The bill is now positioned next to be deliberated by the full Missouri House of Representatives.