Local law enforcement gathered Tuesday afternoon at the Ohio State Highway Patrol’s Marysville Post to honor a fallen trooper and officially recognize a section of State Route 235 in Logan County in his name.
The northbound and southbound lanes of State Route 235 between Township Road 43 and State Route 47 have been designated the “Patrolman Frank J. Hossler Memorial Highway.”
Speakers at the ceremony included Lieutenant Matthew Himes with the Ohio State Highway Patrol, Colonel Charles Jones of the Patrol, and Ohio State Representative Tim Barhorst.
Also in attendance were Russells Point Police Chief Joe Freyhof, Logan County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Joe Kopus, Logan County Sheriff’s Office Lieutenant Tim Watson, and Bellefontaine Police Chief Chris Marlow.
Several members of the Hossler family were also on hand for the ceremony, with additional family members participating via video.
Hossler was killed in the line of duty on September 22, 1956, while on routine patrol north of DeGraff.
According to the Officer Down Memorial Page, Hossler was traveling northbound on what was then State Route 69, now State Route 235, when his patrol cruiser collided with another vehicle.
The crash happened around 7:30 that evening, and Hossler died at the scene.
Hossler was 25 years old and had served with the Ohio State Highway Patrol for 10 months.
He was stationed at the Bellefontaine Post at the time of his death.
Before joining the Patrol, Hossler served in the United States Marine Corps during the Korean War and was a Purple Heart recipient. He was survived by his expectant wife.
The Ohio General Assembly approved the highway designation, making it part of Ohio law.
The memorial highway provides a lasting tribute to Hossler, recognizing his military service, his dedication to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, and the ultimate sacrifice he made while serving the community nearly 70 years ago.
