Officer Molly Bowden gave her life on the streets of Columbia. Now, her fellow officers want to honor her sacrifice.
The Columbia City Council will consider a resolution Tuesday to name a stretch of Nifong Boulevard between Forum Boulevard and Bethel Road after Bowden, who was shot during a routine traffic stop there on Jan. 10. She died a month later.
“We wanted a lasting tribute to her from our community for her family, so they know she is not forgotten,” Columbia police Chief Randy Boehm said.
The resolution calls for a navy blue sign reading “Officer Molly Bowden Memorial Boulevard” to be placed beneath the green Nifong Boulevard road sign. The official name of the road would not change.
The resolution would also allow a marker along the right of way at the location of the assault on Bowden. The marker would include information about Bowden and the shooting. Bowden was the first officer in the Columbia Police Department to be killed by assault in the line of duty.
“I think that would be a nice tribute, fitting for someone who put her life on the line for Columbia,” said Laura Nauser, Fifth Ward councilwoman.
The memorial, funded by the Columbia Police Foundation’s Officer Down Fund, would also include the white cross that was placed along Nifong Boulevard within hours of the shooting.
The memorial would become effective Feb. 10, exactly one year after Bowden died from her injuries. The idea to honor Bowden was proposed by a committee of about 20 Columbia police officers and support staff.
“It’s an excellent way to make sure that we don’t forget the contributions she made and the sacrifice her family made on our behalf,” said Boehm.