Todd Roberson - Special to the Sun

Assembly Concurrent Resolution 90, authored by Assemblymember Jean Fuller (R-Bakersfield), passed out of the State Senate today on a unanimous vote. ACR 90 designates a portion of State Highway Route 178 from the mouth of Kern Canyon eastbound to its intersection with Kernville Road in Kern County as 'Kern County Deputy Sheriff William ’ÄòJoe’ Hudnall, Jr., Memorial Highway.' Approval by the State Senate was the last step in the legislative process and signs will be placed along the highway by the Department of Transportation to indicate the designation, once there are private funds available to cover the costs of the signs.

Kern County Deputy Sheriff William ’ÄòJoe’ Hudnall, Jr. was killed in the line of duty on November 14, 2006, while transporting a prisoner from his duty assignment in Kernville, California, to Bakersfield, California. His patrol unit was struck head-on by a vehicle operated by a subject that was under the influence of a controlled substance while on Highway 178 in the Kern Canyon.

Hudnall

'With the passage of ACR 90, everyone who drives on this stretch of Highway 178 will be reminded of Deputy Sheriff Hudnall’s sacrifice,' said Fuller. 'I know it is just a small token of appreciation but this will be a useful remembrance.'

Hudnall was hired by the Kern County Sheriff’s Department in 1997 after putting himself through the P.O.S.T. Academy at his own expense and was assigned to patrol duties. His greatest joys were off-road riding with his sons, deep-sea fishing, and all family outings.

He left behind his wife Carrie and two young sons, Chancellor and Creighton, and two adult children from a previous marriage, Joshua and Jennifer.

Assemblymember Fuller represents the 32nd Assembly District, which includes Bakersfield, Ridgecrest, Tehachapi, Taft, Kern River Valley and the Frazier Mountain communities.