ST. PAUL (AP) - The Minnesota Legislature has passed a bill to rename 11 miles of State Highway 23 after slain Cold Spring police officer Tom Decker.

The Senate and House passed the bill unanimously on Thursday. It's meant to honor Decker, who was shot and killed on a call in downtown Cold Spring last November. A man police described as a "person of interest" committed suicide about a month later.

Senator Michelle Fischbach of nearby Paynesville praised Decker for his service and as a beloved husband, father, son and brother. Members of Decker's family and Cold Spring officials were in the House and Senate for the votes.

The bill renames Highway 23 for Decker between Cold Spring and Richmond. Signs will mark that stretch of road as "Tom Decker Memorial Highway." The bill now heads to Gov. Mark Dayton.

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