INDIANAPOLIS – A section of U.S. 31 was officially renamed after fallen Indiana State Police Trooper Aaron N. Smith of Franklin, following State Rep. Michelle Davis’ (R-Whiteland) road renaming resolution passing the Indiana General Assembly during the 2025 legislative session.
“State Trooper Aaron Smith served with courage, integrity and honor with a commitment to protecting others,” Davis said. “Renaming this stretch of U.S. 31 ensures his heroism is remembered and that his sacrifice will never be forgotten. I’m grateful to my colleagues at the Statehouse for supporting this effort unanimously and I’m glad to see this tribute come to fruition.”
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 authored House Concurrent Resolution 2 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, Senate and roads committee hearings.
Davis, the Indiana Department of Transportation and other state officials dedicated the stretch of U.S. 31 the “State Trooper Aaron Smith Memorial Highway” on Thursday, June 26, 2025 during a ceremonial presentation in Greenwood.
