Representative from Indiana suggests renaming a section of US 31 in honor of a state trooper

Indianapolis, Indiana – Renaming a portion of the roadway in honor of an Indiana State Police trooper who was struck and died in 2023 is the desire of a Whiteland, Indiana, state representative.

A news release states that Indiana State Representative Michelle Davis, R-Whiteland, proposed renaming a portion of U.S. 31 in honor of Aaron Smith, an Indiana State Police trooper who lived in Franklin, during the Interim Study Committee on Roads and Transportation meeting.
When Smith was using stop sticks on I-70 eastbound in June 2023, he was hit by a car that was being pursued by the police in Hendricks County.

According to the press release, Davis wants to rename a section of Johnson County’s U.S. 31 between Smith Valley Road and County Line Road in Smith’s honor. Smith attended Whiteland Community Hing School and is originally from Johnson County.

According to the press release, Davis stated that “State Trooper Aaron Smith embodied the true spirit of public service, dedicating his life to protecting others both in the military and as a member of the Indiana State Police.” “Trooper Smith went above and beyond when performing his duties.” A permanent memorial to his extraordinary dedication and the ultimate sacrifice he made while performing his duty will be created by renaming a section of this route in his honor.

The idea is being reviewed by the interim study group, according to the announcement. In the press release, Davis stated that she intends to submit a formal resolution for the Indiana House of Representatives and Indiana Senate to review and approve during the 2025 legislative session, assuming the committee approves the idea.

This is in response to plans to erect a memorial in Proctor Park in Smith’s honor, paying respect to him and other first responders who have made a difference in Indiana.