STATEHOUSE (Jan. 28, 2025) – The Indiana House of Representatives recently passed State Rep. Michelle Davis' (R-Whiteland) resolution urging the Indiana Department of Transportation to rename a section of U.S. 31 after fallen Indiana State Police Trooper Aaron N. Smith of Franklin.
"State Trooper Aaron Smith made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our state and local communities, and today we remember him with the passing of a resolution in his honor," Davis said. "By renaming a portion of U.S. 31 in honor of Trooper Smith, we can ensure his sacrifice for our community and state will never be forgotten. This tribute would stand as a reminder of his life of service and dedication."
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.
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.
Trooper Smith's father, Garry W. Smith, Johnson County Sheriff Duane Burgess and members of the Indiana State Police testified in support of the resolution in the House Roads and Transportation Committee.
The resolution now moves to the Senate for further consideration. Once a renaming resolution passes through the Indiana General Assembly, the Indiana Department of Transportation can move forward with the project. Visit iga.in.gov for more information.
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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 1: State Rep. Michelle Davis (R-Whiteland) presents her resolution urging the Indiana Department of Transportation to rename a section of U.S. 31 after fallen Indiana State Police Trooper Aaron N. Smith of Franklin on Monday, Jan. 27, 2025, in the House Chamber at the Statehouse.
PHOTO CAPTION 2: Garry W. Smith (pictured, second from right), Johnson County Sheriff Duane Burgess (far right) and members of the Indiana State Police and Trooper Smith's family were in attendance for the resolution presentation on Monday, Jan. 27, 2025, in the House Chamber at the Statehouse.
