Legislation honoring fallen Wayzata Police Officer Bill Mathews unanimously passed the Minnesota Senate Floor on Thursday, April 19. The bill, chief-authored by Senator Paul Anderson, renames U.S. Highway 12 within the city limits of Wayzata “Officer Bill Mathews Memorial Highway”. Officer Mathews was struck and killed by an impaired and distracted driver while responding to a 911 call to clear debris from Highway 12 in Wayzata on September 8, 2017.

“Although the pain of that day last September will never truly go away for the Wayzata community, dedicating Highway 12 within the city limits of Wayzata in Officer Mathew’s honor will be a fitting tribute to our Hometown Hero, a hero whose watch ended far too early,” said Senator Anderson on the Senate floor.

Officer Mathews served in the Wayzata Police Department for nine years. He is survived by his wife, Shawn, and their 7-year old son, Wyatt.

The Minnesota Senate took a brief recess during their floor session to recognize Shawn Mathews and Michael J. Risvold, Chief of the Wayzata Police Department, who were present in the Senate gallery for the vote. Also, present in the gallery were Ken Willcox – Mayor of Wayzata, Jeffery Dahl – City Manager of Wayzata, and Hennepin County Sheriff Deputy Matt Hagen – President of the Minnesota Fraternal Order of the Police.  The members of the Senate gave them a standing ovation.

“Officer Mathews was dedicated to serving and protecting the city he loved,” added Senator Anderson. “We owe our law enforcement officers an eternal debt of gratitude for their work and sacrifice to serve and protect our communities. This dedication will allow us to recognize and honor Officer Bill Mathews for the generations to come.”