Bill aims to rename portion of highway after fallen San Benito officer

San Benito police Lt. Milton Resendez

A bill to designate a portion of State Highway 345 (Sam Houston Boulevard) in San Benito after a fallen police officer is moving forward in the Texas legislature.

If approved, House Bill 1960 will be designated as Milton Resendez Memorial Highway. The bill was introduced by State Rep. Janie Lopez on Jan. 22.

“Officer Milton Resendez served his community with unwavering integrity and took immense pride in being a dedicated member of the San Benito Police Department,” Lopez said. “He gave his life to ensuring the safety and well-being of those he so deeply cared for. It is only fitting that his bravery and sacrifice be remembered and honored.”

Resendez became the first San Benito police officer killed in the line of duty after he was shot on the evening of Oct. 17, 2023. He was a 27-year veteran of the police department and served as second vice president with the San Benito Police Association.

“The San Benito community has honored Officer Resendez and continues to mourn his loss,” Lopez said. “A mural of Officer Resendez has been placed in a prominent location as a constant reminder of his legacy. This bill will further assist in immortalizing his great contributions to the community he so proudly served.”

Lopez reached out to San Benito Police Chief Mario Perea for his support of the bill.

Perea visited Austin on May 1 to voice his support for HB 1960 to the Texas Transportation Commission. The commission approved the bill, which will now go before the Texas House of Representatives and Texas Senate.

“It feels good,” Perea said about the support behind the HB 1960. “We’ve seen a lot of positive comments on it from the community that they support it. It just shows that it’s a great way to honor him and his sacrifice.”

If approved, the bill will take effect on Sept. 1.

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