The conference center at the INDOT Plymouth Subdistrict quickly filled up Thursday afternoon with Indiana State Police Troopers, Indiana State Police Motor Carrier Inspectors, state and local leaders, and the family of Ralph “Ray” Reed Jr. to honor the memory of a great resident of Marshall County.
The occasion brought everyone together to unveil a highway sign to be placed on U.S. 30 between Pine Road and Oak Road in Marshall County to honor the memory of Ralph “Ray” Reed, Jr. Ray Reed, a prominent Plymouth and Marshall County resident, was on duty as an Indiana State Police Master Motor Carrier Inspector on Aug. 3, 1995 when he stopped to inspect a semi tractor-trailer and was struck and killed by an oncoming semi hauling cattle.
Many who spoke gave credit to State Representative Jack Jordan and Marshall County Commissioner Kevin Overmyer for their persistence in engaging in efforts to get a resolution signed by the Governor in order for this to happen.
Plymouth Fraternal Order of Police Member Hurshel Hunter said the process took several years, but the day came when the resolution appeared on Governor Eric Holcomb’s desk to sign. Hunter paused when he addressed Reed’s family members after reading the names of supporters.
“Rebecca, Ralph and Cathy…we did it,” stated Hunter.
Marshall County Commissioner Kevin Overmyer said it was quite a journey to get to this point.
“There’s a lot of moving pieces and in those pieces you have to have the right pieces,” said Overmyer. “After the four-year period, we finally had the right pieces in place to solve this puzzle.”
Indiana State Police Superintendent Doug Carter spoke of remembering the fallen officers with the Indiana State Police and the assistance of local residents to lift up their memory and honor their own.
Carter commented, “It brings me such pleasure and joy to see what a community does for one of our own and this is just a simple example.
State Representative Jack Jordan read from the official resolution.
“…Whereas Ralph “Ray” Reed was appointed as an Indiana State Motor Carrier Inspector on April 16, 1968, serving 27 years and 3 months as an Indiana State Motor Carrier Inspector;
“And Whereas Master Motor Carrier Inspector Ralph “Ray” Reed gave his life and service to his state and deserves special recognition of his great sacrifice;
“THEREFORE, be it resolved by the House of Representatives of the General Assembly of the State of Indiana, the Senate concurring, that the Indiana General Assembly acknowledges the sacrifice made by Master Motor Carrier Ralph “Ray” Reed, Jr. by honoring his memory by renaming that section of U.S Highway 30 from the intersection with Pine Road in Plymouth to the intersection of Oak Road, the Ralph “Ray” Reed Memorial Drive.”
Senator Randy Head presented the family members with miniature replica signs of the official highway sign to keep and display as they wish.
Indiana State Police Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division Major Jon Smithers said Ray Reed’s name is always present in the department, especially in the Motor Carrier Inspector of the Year award which is named in his honor.
“It encompasses more than just the work the MCIs who receive this award in his honor do. It’s kind of a reflection of life, his dedication to his family, his dedication to his community in Plymouth here,” mentioned Smithers.
Several past winners were in attendance Thursday and shook the hands of the Ralph “Ray” Reed, Jr. family members after they were recognized.
The sign unveiling found closure to a long process for family members and supporters and assured them that all who pass on U.S. 30 between Pine Road and Oak Road will see that Reed’s commitment to his work and community will be present for generations to come.
