LANSING, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – Tuesday, State Rep. Julie M. Rogers (D-Kalamazoo) introduced House Bill 5585 to designate a portion of highway U.S. 131 in Kalamazoo County as the “Sergeant Ryan J. Proxmire Memorial Highway.”
On August 15, Kalamazoo County Deputy Sheriff Ryan J. Proxmire succumbed to a gunshot wound that he sustained the previous night while involved in a vehicle pursuit.
For his actions, he was posthumously promoted to the rank of sergeant on August 16.
“The Kalamazoo County community and the entire state of Michigan are forever indebted for the bravery and service of Sgt. Proxmire,” Rogers said. “While nothing can ever truly express our grief and gratitude for his sacrifice, we want to honor his memory for years to come by establishing this memorial highway in his name.”
Proxmire began his service with the Kalamazoo County Sheriff’s Office on May 2, 2012.
“The women and men of the Kalamazoo County Sheriff’s Office are honored to have served with Sergeant Ryan Proxmire,” Kalamazoo County Sheriff Richard Fuller said. “His family, friends and community lost him in a senseless act. We will never forget him or his sacrifice. Naming a section of highway for Ryan in the county he served will help remind anyone seeing the signs that there are everyday heroes working hard to protect them and keep them safe.”
According to the House Bill language, the designated portion would begin at West U Avenue and continue north to West Centre Avenue.
