State Rep. Mark Tisdel (R-Rochester Hills) today voted in favor of legislation that would designate a portion of US-24 as the Deputy Claude Wilson Memorial Highway in honor of the fallen Oakland County Sheriff’s deputy.

The bill would rename the stretch of US-24 between 9 Mile Road and 14 Mile Road in recognition of Deputy Wilson, who was killed after his patrol vehicle was struck by a drunk driver while he was serving in the line of duty. Deputy Wilson served with the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office for ten years.

“Deputy Claude Wilson made the ultimate sacrifice in service to Oakland County, and this designation ensures his legacy will never be forgotten,” Tisdel said. “Memorial highways are one meaningful way we can honor the courage and commitment of those who protected our communities.”

Sen. Michael Webber (R-Rochester Hills) expressed support for the proposal, saying, “Our local law enforcement officers risk their lives every day to keep us safe, and we too often take that for granted. This senseless crime took a husband from his wife and a father from his children. We owe the Reckling family an incredible debt that we will never be able to repay, but I sincerely hope this memorial serves as a reminder of what this man and his family gave up for our community’s safety.”

Tisdel said the proposal reflects the gratitude Michigan communities have for the men and women who serve in law enforcement.

“When officers put themselves in harm’s way to keep others safe, we have a responsibility to remember their dedication and sacrifice,” Tisdel said. “This memorial would stand as a lasting tribute to Deputy Wilson’s service and to the values of duty and public safety he represented.”