State Police Dedicate ‘J.T. Brammer Lane’ in Honor of Fallen Trooper

J.T. Brammer, a state trooper stationed in Kingwood, was killed in the line of duty 20 years ago. Monday, his friends, colleagues, and community commemorated him.

The road serving the Troop 1 Detachment in Kingwood is no longer “Smoky Lane.” All of the troopers will now get to work, and leave for service calls on “J.T. Brammer Lane.”

On April 15, 1989, Trooper First Class J.T. Brammer left the detachment in Kingwood with Trooper First Class Ron Hicks to serve an arrest warrant in Terra Alta.

Hicks, now retired, said Monday’s dedication was a fitting reminder.

“Twenty years ago, he rode down this road and has never returned,” Hicks said.

In that Terra Alta home, Ercil Layton met the troopers with a high-powered rifle. Both troopers were hit during the gunfight. Brammer died instantly from his wounds.

Before the sign was unveiled, one trooper read from a poem, “In the simple performance of duty, he answered the call to help the helpless to find the lost, no matter the danger, or how great the cost.”

Hicks suffered major damage to his arm during the shooting. He later retired because of his injuries.

During the dedication ceremony, Brammer’s young grandson received a copy of the road sign.

Even 20 years later, Brammer’s memory is still an example for the state troopers.

“He brought uniformity,” said Capt. J.H. Merrill, the Troop 1 Commander. “He was a hard-working trooper. He was loved by the community, and he’s missed by the troopers.”

Michael Cochran was behind Brammer and Hicks that day, and will never forget the lesson Brammer taught him.

“It was his gift to me,” Cochran said. “The point was really hammered home about really how precious life is and we need to value every momentm, that we have and try to live in this moment and try to spread as much good as we can while we’re living in these moments.”

After taking four shots from Hicks and Brammer, Layton committed suicide at the scene.

In addition to his grandson, Brammer is survived by his wife and two children.

Story by Stacy Moniot

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