Measure renames portion of I-94 after Trooper Manuel H. Fields

The Michigan House Transportation Committee today approved a plan introduced by state Rep. Sarah Lightner to rename a portion of I-94 in Jackson County after fallen Michigan State Police Trooper Manuel H. Fields.

State Rep. Sarah Lightner (right) testified before the Michigan House Transportation Committee with Brenda Gibson (center) and Officer Paul Long (left).

Lightner’s plan renames a portion of I-94 between the US-127 South interchange and Hawkins Road as the “Trooper Manuel H. Fields Memorial Highway.”

“Trooper Fields proudly served with the Michigan State Police, and his memory will live on with this highway renaming,” said Lightner, of Springport. “We must recognize the courageous men and women who are on the front lines every day to protect and serve us.”

Fields was struck by a vehicle and killed on the westbound portion of I-94 in Leoni Township on Aug. 27, 1994.

Brenda Gibson, Trooper Fields’ widow, testified in support of the bill. So did Officer Paul Long, a friend and colleague of Fields, who witnessed the incident.

Fields was the 46th Michigan State Police trooper to die in the line of duty.

HB 4572 is now referred to the Ways and Means Committee.

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