Ohio Governor Mike DeWine signed into law a bill last week that creates a lasting memorial in honor of fallen BLET member Lou Shuster. Senate Bill 52 designates the interchange between I-480 and 150th Street in Cleveland as the SPC Louis P. Shuster Memorial Interchange.
On March 7, 2023, Brother Shuster was killed in a yard accident while working for Norfolk Southern in Cleveland, Ohio. Shuster was an Army veteran and served BLET as President of Division 607 in Cleveland. The I-480 interchange is where many railroad workers exit the highway to reach the train yard where Shuster worked, and naming the interchange in his honor will serve as a reminder of Brother Lou’s passion and dedication towards his family, his co-workers, and fellow military veterans.
In early June, the Ohio House of Representatives passed the measure by a vote of 96-0 while the Senate passed it by a vote of 33-0. The unanimous support reflects the advocacy of the BLET Ohio State Legislative Board, led by Chairman John Esterly. Esterly has lobbied for passage of this bill since 2024. Earlier this year, a large delegation of BLET officers and members turned out in full force at the Ohio Statehouse in Columbus for the first hearing of the bill. Division 607 Local Chairman Pat Redmond was among those who testified in favor of the bill.
“Thank you to Governor DeWine and to the entire Ohio Legislature, especially Representatives Sean P. Brennan (D-District 14) and Ty Mathews (R-District 83) for carrying our bill,” Esterly said.
It is expected that a highway sign designating the interchange in Brother Lou’s memory will be installed later this summer or in early fall.