TROOPER BYRON J. ERICKSON MEMORIAL HIGHWAY
House Bill 4170 as referred to second committee
Sponsor: Rep. Bronna Kahle
1st Committee: Transportation
2nd Committee: Ways and Means
Complete to 2-19-20
SUMMARY:
House Bill 4170 would amend the Michigan Memorial Highway Act to designate the portion of highway M-52 beginning at the intersection with Curtis Road in the city of Adrian and extending north to the intersection with highway M-50 as the “Trooper Byron J. Erickson Memorial Highway.”
Proposed MCL 250.1006b
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
According to committee testimony, the Michigan State Police Trooper Association, and the Michigan State Police Fallen Trooper Memorial website, on Friday, July 2, 1993, the Adrian State Police Post received a tip that a stolen 1993 Ford Mustang was parked at a residence in the Ridgemont subdivision of Tecumseh. That afternoon, Trooper Byron Erickson was driving the post detective’s unmarked car, and he responded to the area at approximately 4:40 p.m.
As Trooper Erickson entered the subdivision, he noticed the stolen Mustang leaving the area. He began following the suspect and radioed for marked units to assist with a felony stop. The suspect apparently realized that a police car was following him and took off at a high rate of speed. Trooper Erickson gave chase to keep the Mustang in sight for responding patrol cars. The chase lasted approximately five miles before Trooper Erickson lost control of his vehicle on Shepherd Road, where his car flipped and rolled over. He suffered serious injuries and was flown to the University of Michigan Hospital in Ann Arbor for surgery. On July 31, 1993, Trooper Byron Erickson died of complications from his injuries. He was 36 years old and the forty-fourth Michigan State Police trooper to die in the line of duty.
Dedicating a portion of highway M-52 to the memory of Trooper Erickson would recognize his sacrifice and honor his commitment and dedication of service to the citizens of his community and to the state Michigan.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Section 2 of the Michigan Memorial Highway Act indicates that the state transportation department shall provide for the erection of suitable markers indicating the name of the highway only “when sufficient private contributions are received to completely cover the cost of erecting and maintaining those markers.” As a result, the bill has no state or local fiscal impact.
POSITIONS:
The Michigan State Police indicated support for the bill. (2-18-20)
The Department of Transportation indicated a neutral position on the bill. (2-18-20)
Fiscal Analyst: William E. Hamilton
■ This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan House Fiscal Agency staff for use by House members in their deliberations, and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.