Plainfield, Indiana – On Thursday, the Indiana State Police (ISP) and the family of Trooper Aaron Smith gathered beside I‑70 near Ronald Reagan Parkway to unveil a permanent wooden memorial cross at the spot where Smith lost his life. The solemn ceremony underscored the deep respect the community and his fellow troopers have for a man who gave his life protecting others.
Remembering a Hero
Trooper Aaron Smith was killed in 2023 while attempting to stop a stolen vehicle during a high‑speed pursuit. As the suspect’s car slammed into Smith’s patrol vehicle, Smith was in the process of placing stop sticks to halt the fleeing driver. The driver was later sentenced to 40 years in prison and ten years of probation.
Smith’s sacrifice was not only a matter of duty; it was an act of personal courage. An ISP intern was riding with him that night, and Smith deliberately moved his squad car to the side of the ramp rather than stopping in the middle of the intersection, keeping the intern out of danger. ISP Sgt. John Perrine told FOX59/CBS4, “We’re three and a half years past the tragic night where this happened, but our hearts are still heavy. And that doesn’t ever go away.”
Family’s Pride and Gratitude
Smith’s father, Garry Smith, spoke to the crowd, recalling his son’s lifelong desire to help people. “He wanted to help people just like dad,” he said, his voice steady despite the emotion of the moment. Garry expressed pride in seeing the cross stand as a lasting tribute to his son’s dedication to public safety.
Troopers and officers from several agencies attended the unveiling, reflecting the broad support for Smith’s family and the law‑enforcement community. The cross, crafted from wood and placed near the exact location of the fatal collision, serves as a tangible reminder of the risks officers face each day to keep Indiana’s highways safe.
Community Impact
The memorial has resonated with Plainfield residents, many of whom travel the I‑70 corridor daily. Local businesses and commuters have expressed appreciation for the visible acknowledgment of a public servant who gave everything for their safety. The cross stands not only as a tribute to Smith but also as a symbol of the shared values of faith, family, and liberty that bind the community together.
In a time when public‑service heroes are often overlooked, the dedication of this memorial reinforces the importance of honoring those who sacrifice for the common good. It also offers a place for reflection for anyone who has lost a loved one to the dangers of law enforcement work.
Looking Forward
ISP officials indicated that the memorial will be maintained by the department and the community, ensuring that Trooper Smith’s legacy endures for future generations. The ceremony concluded with a moment of silence, a prayer for the Smith family, and a renewed commitment from law‑enforcement officers to uphold the safety and freedom of Indiana’s citizens.
Original reporting: 93.1 WIBC (Indianapolis) — read the source article.
