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Ware County commission tables proposal to rename Cameron Lane after fallen officer
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Summary
After more than an hour of public testimony both supporting and opposing a petition to rename Cameron Lane for Officer Taylor Bristow, commissioners voted to table the request so petitioners and opposing residents can discuss alternatives such as honorary signage.
Chair opened a public hearing on a petition to change the name of Cameron Lane to Taylor Bristow Lane and asked planning staff to present the request. Planning staff said the proposal was brought forward by Robert Wallace on behalf of families and noted the road runs from Alma Highway to Cape Drive, covers roughly 3,352 feet and affects about 22 addresses. Staff said the Planning Commission approved the change at its March 12, 2026 meeting.
Robert Wallace, who staff said was representing families behind the request, told the commission he contacted 27 property owners and that 17 property owners he reached verbally said they would be okay with the change. "I contacted ... the property owners and tried the best I could to contact everybody," Wallace said, adding that most were supportive but acknowledging some concerns.
Shelly Bristow, identifying herself as Taylor Bristow’s mother and a resident at 4702 Cameron Lane, gave an emotional appeal for the rename: "It costed his him his whole life," she said, asking the commission to consider the family’s loss. Opponents including Johnny Darnes (4604 Cameron Lane) and Kelly Steedley (4513 Cameron Lane) said the process of gathering signatures had been mishandled and raised equity and cost concerns for long-term residents. "My concern was the cost of what it's going to cost everyone out there to have that name changed," Steedley said.
Several residents urged honoring the officer without changing the official street name, suggesting monuments or honorary signage to avoid forcing dozens of residents to update addresses and records. A commissioner proposed keeping "Cameron Lane" as the official name and adding an honorary plaque or secondary sign that reads "Taylor Bristow Way," but planning staff warned that displaying two names could create confusion for emergency responders and deliveries.
After discussion and a withdrawn motion to approve the rename, the commission voted to table the item and asked staff to facilitate conversations between the family and opposing residents to find a solution acceptable to both sides. Chair said no final action would be taken that night and the matter will return to a future meeting after additional consultation.
