TENNESSEE HIGHWAYS DEDICATED TO FALLEN TROOPERS

The state of Tennessee dedicated two sections of Interstate 40 Monday in memory of the late Troopers Todd M. Larkins and Samuel F. Holcomb, who were killed during traffic stops. The General Assembly passed a bill naming the section of Interstate 40 between mile markers 177 and 182 (between Dickson and State Route 840) the Trooper Samuel F. Holcomb Memorial Highway Larkins, according to the Tennessee Department of Safety Web site. The segment between mile markers 172 and 177 (State Route 840 to the Franklin exit) is now recognized as the Trooper Todd Larkins Memorial Highway

TDOT installed the signs near mile markers 172, 177 and 182 on Interstate 40.

"Both of these men were run over while they were out doing their job on the shoulder of a highway on Interstate 40," said Tennessee Highway Patrol Col. Mike Walker. Larkins died in 2005. Holcomb died in 1988.

"Trooper Larkins and Trooper Holcomb were selfless men and outstanding public servants," said state Sen. Doug Jackson, at the ceremony. "The community still grieves its loss." Holcomb's son is now a trooper and said he thinks about the state's Move Over Law every day. "There's not a time I don't get out of the car or work a wreck that I don't think about it," said Trooper Samuel Holcomb III.

But supporters of the state's Move Over Law want more than just a memorial sign along the interstates. They more signage, stiffer fines and even jail time imposed against people who break the law. "If we can get the support of the commissioner and the administration, I'm pretty confident we'll be able to stiffen the penalties for those that violate the move over law, particularly where there has been a serious injury or loss of life," said state Sen. Doug Jackson.

Alicia Larkins is a big supporter of violators serving jail time. Her husband was the last state trooper killed by a motorist who didn't yield to an emergency vehicle. "You've taken my husband for life and I'll never get him back," Alicia Larkins said. "My daughter will never have her father back. So, yeah, I think these guys need to have some time to think about what they've done."

Lawmakers will determine the length of incarceration and the amount of fines.