Trooper Aaron Smith Honored with Memorial Highway in Johnson County
GREENWOOD, IN – A section of U.S. 31 in Johnson County has been permanently designated the “Trooper Aaron Smith Memorial Highway,” a poignant tribute to the Indiana State Police trooper tragically killed in the line of duty last year.
Trooper Aaron Smith, a Franklin native who grew up in Johnson County, lost his life on June 28, 2023. He was fatally struck by a vehicle during a high-speed pursuit on the southwest side of Indianapolis near I-70 and Ronald Reagan Parkway. Smith had bravely deployed stop sticks across the road in an attempt to halt the stolen vehicle when the driver struck him.
Yesterday, the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) installed the memorial sign at U.S. 31 and Smith Valley Road in Greenwood. This specific location holds special significance for Smith’s family, as his father, Garry Smith, noted that they lived about a mile east of the spot for 20 years.
Beyond his five years of dedicated service with the Indiana State Police, Trooper Smith was a proud member of the Indiana National Guard since 2011, earning several military awards for his commitment. His life was a testament to public service and sacrifice, as highlighted by officials and family members at Thursday’s unveiling ceremony.
