Representative Smaltz and Indiana State Police Sgt. David Poe
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (ADAMS) – A resolution authored by State Rep. Ben Smaltz (R-Auburn) to rename a section of I-69 after fallen Indiana State Police Master Trooper James R. Bailey cleared the House Roads and Transportation Committee unanimously Tuesday and will now move to the full House for consideration.
The following was released by Representative Smaltz:
Smaltz said if the measure passes the House and Senate, a stretch of I-69 between the County Road 11A Exit and State Road 8 near mile marker 326 in DeKalb County would be named after Bailey, who was killed in the line of duty last March.
“Master Trooper James R. Bailey was a husband, a father and a 15-year veteran of the Indiana State Police who is greatly missed,” Smaltz said. “It’s my honor to work on this resolution and memorialize his legacy. Renaming a section of this road after him will serve as a lasting tribute to his sacrifice and service.”
Bailey, a 15-year veteran of the Indiana State Police, was struck by a fleeing vehicle after deploying stop sticks to slow down the pursuit. Bailey was transported to a nearby hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.
Indiana State Police Sgt. David Poe during Tuesday’s House Roads and Transportation Committee hearing testified in support of the road renaming. Poe said while Bailey had a long battle with cancer, that didn’t hold him back from enrolling in the Indiana State Police Academy and serving Allen and DeKalb counties.
“As Representative Smaltz said, people will see this sign and they will remember his sacrifice and they will remember his honor,” Poe said.
House Concurrent Resolution 5 now moves to the full House for consideration and adoption during the 2024 legislative session. If the resolution passes through the General Assembly, the Indiana Department of Transportation can move forward with the road renaming in DeKalb County.
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