Timothy Nielson Memorial Bridge dedication set for Friday

(From the Joplin Police Department)

The Joplin Police Department would like to formally invite members of the media and the general public to the Officer Timothy Nielson Memorial Bridge dedication ceremony that will be held on Friday, October 13th, at 3:00 p.m. The ceremony will take place on the south side of the Connecticut Avenue bridge that crosses over Interstate 44. Parking will be available at the First Baptist Church, located at 4128 S. Connecticut Avenue.

On August 10th, 2004, Officer Timothy Nielson and Officer Greg Batson responded to a home in Joplin for a report of a suicidal individual. 

During the call, there was an explosion, and both officers were severely injured. Officer Nielson sustained burns to over 45% of his body and remained in critical condition for several weeks. On September 13th, 2004, Officer Timothy Nielson succumbed to his injuries and died in the line of duty.

Earlier this year, Missouri State Representative Ben Baker sponsored legislation that would memorialize a bridge in honor of the sacrifice paid by Officer Timothy Nielson. On July 6th, 2023, Missouri Senate Bill 127, Section 227.827 was signed into law designating the bridge on Connecticut Avenue that crosses over Interstate 44 within the City of Joplin as the “Officer Timothy Nielson Memorial Bridge”. This became effective on August 28th, 2023. On August 7th, 2023, the Joplin City Council affirmed this legislation with the passage of resolution number 2023-017, which officially recognized the ultimate sacrifice paid by Officer Nielson and honored him by naming the Connecticut Avenue bridge that crosses over Interstate 44 as the “Officer Timothy Nielson Memorial Bridge”.