State Transportation Committee to consider naming part of SH345 in honor of Lt. Milton Resendez

SAN BENITO, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Texas Committee on Transportation met Thursday to consider HB1960, which would dedicate a portion of SH 345 in San Benito to the late Lt. Milton Resendez, who died in the line of duty in 2023.

The state legislature Committee on Transportation read the house bill which states that Milton Resendez Memorial Highway would be designated as a part of State Highway 345 in the municipal limits of San Benito, where the lieutenant served for the San Benito Police Department.

In Resendez' honor, the state would design and construct markers indicating the designation as the Milton Resendez Memorial Highway and erect a marker at each end of the highway and at the appropriate intermediate sites along the highway.

The act is scheduled to take effect Sept. 1 of this year if approved.

On Oct. 17, 2023, the San Benito Community endured a tremendous loss when Lt. Milton Resendez of the San Benito Police Department was tragically shot and killed in the line of duty at the age of 54.

At 10:58 p.m. that fatal day, San Benito police were informed of a pursuit involving DPS that began at South Padre Island when two suspects fled from a traffic stop. When the suspects entered city limits, San Benito officers assisted in the pursuit.

Throughout the pursuit, the suspects were firing weapons at law enforcement from both state and federal agencies.

At the 1100 block of Sam Houston, Resendez’s vehicle and the suspect’s vehicle crossed paths. The suspects shot an unknown amount of rounds, two striking the unit, piercing the door and ultimately hitting Resendez in the abdomen below his body armor.

Resendez, who served as a police officer for more than 30 years, was pronounced dead after being transported to Valley Baptist Hospital.

At the state legislature, officials spoke on how Lt. Resendez exemplified a deep commitment to public service and how his passing has left a profound void among his family, fellow officers and the community he served.

"He treasured his marriage to Melissa Resendez and he enjoyed the affection of his many nieces, nephews and godchildren," the official read. "HB1960 honors the life, service and sacrifice of Lt. Resendez ensuring that his memory and heroic legacy are preserved for the San Benito community who loves him and the broader state of Texas."

San Benito Police Chief Mario Perea was also in attendance and gave his witness testimony to the state legislature.

Chief Perea stated that dedicating the highway to the late Lt. Resendez is a fitting tribute "to a man whose life was a testament to courage, service and an unwavering commitment to his community."

He went on to say that Lt. Resendez was born and raised in San Benito, attended and graduated from the San Benito School District and he and his wife Melissa made San Benito their home.

"Naming a portion of State Highway 345, a highway that runs right through the heart of San Benito, would be an amazing way to honor his memory," Perea stated.

Resendez was a veteran officer with over 30 years of experience, 26 of which were spent protecting the citizens of San Benito.

The city of San Benito has honored the late Lt. Resendez by proclaiming October 17 as Lt. Milton Resendez Day. Additionally, his name was engraved on the peace officer memorial in Austin, a testament to his dedication and the state's recognition of his sacrifice.

The State Committee of Transportation on Thursday ultimately left HB1960 as a pending item during its meeting.