A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION urging INDOT to rename the
northbound Interstate 69 bridge over the Patoka River the Trooper
William J. "Joe" Trees Memorial Bridge.
January 15, 2013
, read first time and referred to Committee on
Homeland Security,
Transportation and Veterans Affairs.
February 19, 2013,
amended, reported favorably _ Do Pass.
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION urging INDOT to rename the
northbound Interstate 69 bridge over the Patoka River the Trooper
William J. "Joe" Trees Memorial Bridge.
Whereas, Trooper William Trees was an Indiana State
Police Officer who was killed in a traffic accident on June
26, 1972 while in pursuit of a traffic violator;
Whereas, William Trees was born on November 25, 1943
in Marion, Indiana to Bill and Ruth Trees;
Whereas, Trooper Trees was raised in Upland and
graduated from Jefferson High School. He joined the United
States Navy during the Vietnam War and was honorably
discharged in 1968;
Whereas, Trooper Trees attended the Indiana State
Police Academy and was appointed an Indiana State Trooper
on September 1, 1968;
Whereas, Trooper Trees was assigned to the Evansville
post and remained active in the Oakland City community
where he lived until his death. He was a member of the
Jaycees, helped establish a teen center where he chaperoned
dances, coached little league baseball and was an active
member of Our Savior Lutheran Church;
Whereas, In recognition of his ultimate sacrifice, the
Indiana Department of Transportation is urged to rename the
northbound Interstate 69 bridge over the Patoka River at
mile marker 37.81, bridge number I-69-26-9462, the Trooper
William J. "Joe" Trees Memorial Bridge: Therefore,
SECTION 1. The Indiana General Assembly urges INDOT to
rename the northbound Interstate 69 bridge over the Patoka River the
Trooper William J. "Joe" Trees Memorial Bridge.
SECTION 2. The Secretary of the Senate is hereby directed to
transmit a copy of this Resolution to the Indiana Department of
Transportation.