4-Mile Stretch of Hwy. 58 to be Dedicated to Fallen Officer in Zumbrota Saturday

Zumbrota, MN (KROC-AM News)- A stretch of highway in southeast Minnesota will be dedicated to a fallen police officer on Saturday, September 12. 

Read More: Minnesota Senate Approves Memorial Highway for Zumbrota Officer

Officer/Firefighter Gary L. Schroeder Jr. died by suicide in April of 2023 at the age of 46. His death was classified as an in-the-line-of-duty death related to his long battle with work-related PTSD. 

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The husband and father of three served as a police officer in Zumbrota for 18 years and was also a member of the community’s fire department. 

Earlier this year, state lawmakers approved a bill to dedicate a four mile stretch of Hwy. 58 in Zumbrota to Officer/Firefighter Schroeder Jr. The bill was signed into law by Governor Tim Walz. 

The legislation designates the highway as the Officer/Firefighter Gary L. Schroeder Jr. Memorial Highway.

Dedication Ceremony for Officer/Firefighter Gary L. Schroeder Jr. Happening Saturday in Zumbrota

Family and friends will gather for the highway dedication at 11 a.m. Saturday at the Zumbrota Fire Station, located at 1500 Jefferson Dr. in Zumbrota. 

Officer/firefighter Schroeder Jr.’s father will lead the ceremony, which will include speeches about his legacy, including his advocacy for mental health care in the first responder community, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation.