Pearland police officer Endy Ekpanya died in June after a suspected drunk driver collided head-on with his patrol car.

Ekpanya's death marked the first time in nearly 40 years that a Pearland police officer was killed in the line of duty. To commemorate the 30-year-old officer's service to the community, two Pearland representatives have filed bills to rename portions of the city's landscape.

U.S. Rep. Pete Olson, R-Sugar Land, filed a bill Jan. 5 that would designate the post office at 2700 Cullen Blvd. near Silverlake as the Endy Nddiobong Ekpanya Post Office Building. The bill was filed with the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee and was co-sponsored by the entire U.S. congressional delegation from Texas. No action has been taken on the bill as of press time.

"He was a hero. Goes to work last summer doing his job. A woman, not sure why, not of sound mind, hits him and kills him in his vehicle. The post office makes sure the people of Pearland never forget Endy. He was a great American, wasn't born here, but became a true American," Olson said.

In addition to a post office designation, Texas State Rep. Ed Thompson, R-Pearland, filed a bill Jan. 11 designating FM 518 between Hwy. 35 and Sunset Meadows Drive as the Officer Endy Ekpanya Memorial Highway. The bill also calls for markers to be erected along the highway. No action has been taken by the House Committee on Thompson's bill as of press time, and the bill had no co-authors or sponsors.

"We are heartbroken as a community and as a state, having lost this fine officer in a senseless, tragic occurrence. Our hearts go out to his family here in Pearland: Lucy and Julian, his friends, family, the Pearland Police Department and all who were privileged to know him. Designating a portion of FM 518 in memory of Endy by filing HB 938 is the least we could do for his great service to our community," Thompson said.

The city of Pearland held a memorial tree dedication ceremony in October to honor Ekpanya's memory and service. The city dedicated a “Sweet Tea” mountain gordlinia for Ekpanya and placed an engraved marker at the Pearland Public Safety Building.

Amber Willemsen, the suspected drunk driver, was indicted on first-degree felony charges of intoxication manslaughter of a peace officer by the Brazoria County district attorney's office in July. The two-car collision occurred on FM 518 near Country Club Drive in Pearland.