STATEHOUSE (Jan. 31, 2020) – The Roads and Transportation Committee unanimously supported State Rep. Peggy Mayfield’s (R-Martinsville) efforts to rename a Bloomington bridge crossing over Interstate 69 in honor of Monroe County Sheriff Deputy Sarah Irene Haylett-Jones.
In 2008, Haylett-Jones was struck by a vehicle on State Road 45 while directing traffic around a stranded vehicle. Responding to the incident, local law enforcement blocked intersections along the route taken by emergency responders taking Haylett-Jones to a hospital, which included the 2nd Street bridge. One of those first responders was Margie Clouse, who testified in support of House Concurrent Resolution 17.
“We are fortunate to have officers like Deputy Haylett-Jones who put their lives on the line to ensure the safety of our communities,” Mayfield said. “The Sarah Irene Haylett-Jones Memorial Bridge should serve as a reminder that fallen heroes like her should never be forgotten.”
“In our world, family is beyond blood; there is no thinking twice to help one another,” Clouse said. “No matter what, we always have each other’s back and when one hurts, we all hurt.”
Haylett-Jones succumbed to her injuries two days after the accident. She served with the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office for eight months. Prior to that she served with Alabama’s Montgomery Police Department and was a U.S. Air Force veteran.
In her honor, the Deputy Sarah Jones Memorial Scholarship was established to offer a graduating female senior from Monroe and surrounding counties who pursues a career in public safety. Scholarship funding is provided by the annual Deputy Sarah Jones Memorial 5K.
HCR 17 was co-authored by Monroe County State Reps. Jeff Ellington (R-Bloomington), Bob Heaton (R-Terre Haute), Chris May (R-Bedford) and Matt Pierce (D-Bloomington). It now moves to the House floor for consideration.
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State Rep. Peggy Mayfield (R-Martinsville) represents House District 60,
which includes portions of Morgan and Monroe counties.
