COLUMBUS — Legislation designating a portion of state Route 7 in Jefferson County in remembrance of the late Sheriff Fred Abdalla on Thursday passed the Ohio House and Senate as part of Substitute House Bill 578. 

Presented by state Rep. Ron Ferguson, R-Wintersville, the legisalation honors Abdalla, who had a long and accomplished career in public service. A decorated Army veteran, he served two years in Vietnam, 13 years as mayor of his hometown of Stratton and was in his 37th year as Jefferson County sheriff when he died on Feb. 21. 

“Sherriff Abdalla was a dedicated public servant, whose presence is deeply missed by Jefferson County,” Ferguson said. “I’m grateful for the passage of this bill, which will serve to commemorate service to our community.” 

The bill designates the northbound and southbound lanes of Route 7 in Stratton as the Fredrick J. Abdalla Memorial Highway. 

Ferguson also joined with state Rep. Kevin Miller, R-Newark, Thursday to announce that legislation protecting K-9s was headed to DeWine’s desk. 

Substitute House Bill 392 will authorize emergency medical personnel to transport a police dog by ambulance if the K-9 is injured in the line of duty. Current law already allows certain medical services to be provided to an injured K-9 at the scene of an emergency, but the new legislation expands the ability of a medical professional to allow for life-saving transportation of a K-9 to a veterinarian center for treatment. 

“K-9s are an integral part of our police force, so we must prioritize their safety and survival,” Miller said. “I am grateful to the members of the House and Senate Transportation Committees for their help in moving this bill forward.” 

The bill stipulates that a K-9 will only be transported through emergency services if the dog is injured in the line of duty and no other human at the scene requires emergency medical transport. 

“K-9s must endure intense training before they are deemed ready for service and that training comes at a large expense,” Ferguson said. “As a result, it is imperative that we protect the investment we put into our canines, and this legislation ensures that is the case.” 

Ferguson’s district includes all of Jefferson and Monroe counties and a portion of Belmont County. Miller’s district includes Perry and Coshocton counties and a portion of Licking County.