2021

~ A portion of US-441 was named in remembrance of FHP Trooper Richard Howell ~

ORLANDO, Fla. – Today, a portion of U.S. 441 between Landstreet Road and Taft Vineland Road in Orange County was named in remembrance of fallen Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) Trooper Richard Howell.

Trooper Howell was a graduate of the 49^th FHP recruit class, serving the citizens and visitors of Florida with FHP for one year. On August 2, 1976, Trooper Howell was killed in a crash while in pursuit of a suspect on U.S. 441 in Orlando. At the time of his death, he was 30 years old. He was survived by his wife, Nancy, and son, Jason.

“The brave men and women of the Florida Highway Patrol put themselves in harm’s way on a daily basis to keep our roadways and those who travel them safe. I was proud to sponsor legislation honoring our fallen troopers who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty,” said Senator Lauren Book. “With these designations, our first responders will know that their sacrifice and heroism will never be forgotten by Floridians.”

Representative Chuck Brannan said, “It was my privilege to sponsor this legislation so that we can permanently honor those troopers who have given their lives in defense of all we hold dear. It is my hope that the motoring public will always remember their sacrifices as they pass by these markers on our state highways”

“Paying honor to Trooper Howell by designating a portion of U.S. 441 in his name is a great tribute,” said Colonel Gene S. Spaulding, Director of the Florida Highway Patrol. “I would like to thank the Florida Legislature and Governor Ron DeSantis for ensuring the sacrifices of our fallen heroes are memorialized.”

The roadway dedication ceremony was held today at the Florida Highway Patrol, Troop D Headquarters in Orlando, Florida. Trooper Howell’s wife and son were present at the ceremony, along with state officials and FHP leadership. Following the ceremony, the roadway sign was unveiled, designating the portion of U.S. 441 as the “Trooper Richard Howell Memorial Highway.”

The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) provides highway safety and security through excellence in service, education, and enforcement. Florida is leading the way to A Safer Florida through the efficient and professional execution of its core mission: the issuance of driver licenses, vehicle tags and titles and operation of the Florida Highway Patrol. To learn more about FLHSMV and the services offered, visit https://www.flhsmv.gov, follow us on Twitter @FLHSMV, find us on Facebook or follow us on Instagram.