Legislation was approved to dedicate a portion of Cottman Avenue as the Police Officer Isabel Nazario Memorial Highway.
Legislation co-sponsored by state Reps. John Taylor and Martina White designating a portion of Cottman Avenue as the Police Officer Isabel Nazario Memorial Highway was unanimously approved last week by the House of Representatives.
House Bill 2067 now goes to the state Senate for consideration.
Speaking on the House floor before the vote, White said, “House Bill 2067 will designate a portion of Cottman Avenue, between U.S. Route 13 and U.S. Route 1, as Police Officer Isabel Nazario Memorial Highway. Each and every day, Philadelphians will pass through this portion of the highway and remember Officer Nazario’s ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. It is my hope this memorial will allow her legacy of commitment, honor and selflessness to live on.”
Nazario, who lived on Welsh Road in Holmesburg, was killed on Sept. 5, 2008, when a stolen, speeding Cadillac Escalade driven by a 16-year-old boy hit her patrol car at 39th and Wallace streets. She was 40 years old.
Nazario graduated from Olney High School in 1986 and joined the Philadelphia Police Academy in 1990. She was part of the Narcotics Strike Force and assigned to the 16th Police District in West Philadelphia.
“Our men and women in blue fight tirelessly each and every day to protect all Pennsylvania citizens and keep our communities safe,” Taylor said. “This highway designation is one small way we can remember Office Nazario and her dedication to public safety. Each time someone drives this section of highway, they will be reminded of Officer Nazario and the hundreds of police officers we have lost over the years while in the line of duty.” ••
