LANSING, Mich., Dec. 6, 2021 — Last week, House Bill 5327 unanimously passed the Michigan House of Representatives. This bill would designate a portion of U.S. 127 in Ingham County as the Trooper Starr Memorial Highway in honor of Michigan State Police Trooper Caleb Starr, who tragically died on July 31, 2020, three weeks after a drunk driver struck his patrol car head-on at high speed. This stretch of highway runs past Mason, where Starr grew up and where his parents, widow and daughters continue to reside.
“It has been an honor to memorialize Trooper Starr, his service to the people of Michigan and his sacrifice,” said State Rep. Kara Hope (D-Holt), who sponsored HB 5327. “I hope this dedication will offer some comfort to his friends, family and community as they continue to grieve this immeasurable loss.”
Starr joined the Michigan State Police in September 2018, and he was a member of the 135th Trooper Recruit School. At the time of his death, he was assigned to the Lakeview Post. In addition to his service to the state of Michigan, 33-year-old Starr was a husband and the father of two young daughters. Starr’s widow is a civilian employee of the Michigan State Police.
Starr’s killer pleaded guilty to second degree murder; operating with a high BAC causing death with a prior conviction; operating while license suspended, revoked or denied causing death; and operating while intoxicated. She was recently sentenced to 27 years in prison.
House Bill 5327 now awaits a hearing in the Senate Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.