State Rep. John Roth on Tuesday was proud to announce the signing into law of this plan, House Bill 4046, to rename a portion of US-31 in Grand Traverse County as the Trooper James E. Boland Memorial Highway. Boland was killed in service in 1987.

“I’m thankful to the Michigan Senate and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer for finalizing this effort to honor Trooper Boland and his ultimate sacrifice,” said Roth, R-Interlochen. “Dedicating this stretch of US-31 in his honor ensures that his courage and commitment to public service will live on in the daily lives of those who travel this road. It is a lasting tribute to his legacy and a reminder of the risks our law enforcement officers take to keep us safe.”

Boland was working as a Michigan State Police Trooper when he was tragically struck and killed by a driver on July 26, 1987. He was directing traffic on East Front Street and Barlow Street in Traverse City during the National Governors’ Conference when he was struck by a vehicle traveling at high speed that then fled the scene due to intoxication. First aid was administered on scene, but Boland was pronounced dead on arrival at Munson Hospital. He was the 40th MSP officer to die in the line of duty at the time of his death.

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