STATEHOUSE (Sept. 6, 2024) – State Rep. Michelle Davis (R-Whiteland) recently presented a proposal to rename a section of U.S. 31 after fallen Indiana State Police Trooper Aaron N. Smith of Franklin during the Interim Study Committee on Roads and Transportation meeting.
In 2023, Smith, who worked in Indianapolis, was struck by a fleeing vehicle after deploying stop sticks to slow down the pursuit of a stolen vehicle on Ronald Reagan Parkway, north of I-70, in Hendricks County. Smith was transported to a nearby hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. Davis said she would like to rename a stretch of U.S. 31 between Smith Valley Road and County Line Road in Johnson County after Smith. The interim study committee is reviewing the proposal, which marks the first step in the road renaming process.
"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," Davis said. "Trooper Smith went above and beyond in any duty that called. Renaming a portion of this road in his honor will stand as a lasting tribute to his remarkable commitment and the ultimate sacrifice he made in the line of duty."
A native of Johnson County, Smith graduated from Whiteland Community High School in 2008 and later served in the U.S. Army National Guard where he received awards for his service. Smith later joined the Indiana State Police where he served for five years, also earning two Lifesaving Awards.
If the interim study committee supports Davis' proposal, she plans to file a formal resolution for consideration and adoption by the House and Senate during the 2025 legislative session. Once a renaming resolution passes through the Indiana General Assembly, the Indiana Department of Transportation can move forward with the project.
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State Rep. Michelle Davis (R-Whiteland) represents House District 58,
which includes a portion of Johnson County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
PHOTO CAPTION: State Rep. Michelle Davis (R-Whiteland) (center) stands with Garry W. Smith (third from right), father of fallen State Trooper Aaron N. Smith and members of the Indiana State Police at the Interim Committee on Roads and Transportation meeting on Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024, at the Statehouse in Indianapolis. Davis presented her proposal to the committee to rename a section of U.S. 31 in honor of Aaron N. Smith, who was from Franklin.
