Sen. Grohoski and Rep. Milliken express strong support for bill to designate the Deputy Luke Gross Memorial Highway

AUGUSTA — Last week, Sen. Nicole Grohoski, D-Ellsworth, and Rep. Nina Milliken, D-Blue Hill, testified before the Legislature’s Transportation Committee in support of a bill, LD 2033, that would designate a portion of Route 3 in Trenton as the “Deputy Luke Gross Memorial Highway.”

“Route 3 in Trenton is where Deputy Gross made the ultimate sacrifice while protecting public safety. Every day, thousands of residents and visitors travel that stretch of road on their way to and from Mount Desert Island,” said Sen. Grohoski. “Designating it in his memory would ensure that Luke’s service, his compassion and his dedication to others are not forgotten. It would remind all of us driving that route to slow down, move over and watch out for the first responders who put themselves at risk to keep us safe.”

“This memorial highway designation would honor Deputy Gross in the very place where he fell, and one that carries forward his legacy every single day,” said Rep. Milliken. “His loss shook our entire region. We knew him as so much more than a man devoted to public safety. He treated people warmly, with respect and a smile. He cared deeply about our community.”

On Sept. 23, 2021, Deputy Luke Gross was struck and killed by a motorist while investigating a crash on the side of the road. He served in the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office for 18 years. He was also an active member of the community, chairing the board for the Hancock Grammar School, teaching D.A.R.E. drug education at local schools and volunteering at Camp POSTCARD. He was only 44 years old, leaving behind a wife and two children.

In the coming weeks, the Transportation Committee will vote on advancing the bill.

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