LANSING — A bill sponsored by House Democratic Floor Leader Christine Greig (D-Farmington Hills) that would designate a section of Interstate 696 in Oakland County in honor of the first female state trooper to die in the line of duty in Michigan history has cleared the House Transportation Committee and moves a step closer toward being signed into law.
“Michigan State Police Trooper Vicki Moreau DeVries gave her life protecting the people of Michigan, leaving behind a husband who loves her and a community that was grateful for her service,” Rep. Greig said. “I was honored to have late Trooper DeVries’ husband, retired State Trooper David DeVries, with me in committee Tuesday as we honored her life and service to our state.”
Trooper DeVries was working as an undercover narcotics officer. On July 22, 1982, after making a successful transaction with a suspected narcotics dealer, she drove home in her unmarked police car late at night when her vehicle left the roadway and overturned on I-696 in Farmington Hills. Sadly, she died at the scene of the accident. Trooper DeVries was the 36th state police officer, and only female state police officer to this day, to die in the line of duty. House Bill 4828 designates the ramp from westbound I-696 to the southbound highway of I-275 in Farmington Hills in her name.
“Trooper Devries made the ultimate sacrifice while serving her state and community,” Rep. Greig said. “It is only appropriate during Women’s History Month that we honor Trooper DeVries and her service to the State of Michigan. I’m hopeful that designating a portion of I-696 in her memory will inspire others to learn about her and her life of service.”