Gov. John Lynch has signed legislation renaming the Epsom Traffic Circle in honor of Epsom police officer Jeremy Charron and Manchester officer Michael Briggs.

Charron was killed in the line of duty in 1997 during a traffic stop in Epsom. Briggs was killed in October while responding to a call in Manchester. The two men served together as police officers in Epsom. Briggs later joined the Manchester Police Department in 2001. The two were also former Marines.

“After serving in the Marines, each man continued to answer the call of duty by joining the Epsom Police Department. That is where the two men became friends, sharing the common bonds of military and police service. Both showing unwavering dedication to their duty to protect the public’s safety,” Lynch said.

“Naming the traffic circle in honor of these two men does not begin to repay the debt we owe to these two dedicated officers. Nor does it ease the pain of the Charron and Briggs families,” Lynch said. “But what it does is serve as a reminder; a reminder of the service and sacrifice of these two selfless men. They showed courage and dignity time and again while ensuring our safety. For that, we are forever grateful.”

Senate Bill 83 was sponsored by senators Jack Barnes, Lou D’Allesandro, Betsi DeVries and Ted Gatsas; and representatives Charles Yeaton, Carole Brown, Margaret Porter and Suzanne Beauchesne.

“The thousands of people who travel that traffic circle every day will be reminded of the duty, honor and sacrifice of officers Charron and Briggs,” Lynch said.