Stretch Of I-75 In Troy To Be Renamed For Fallen Officer

A bill introduced to rename part of I-75 in Troy after a fallen police officer passed late last week. The section of highway near the Rochester Road exit will be known as the Officer Martin 'Marty' Chivas Memorial Highway. Introduced in the Michigan State Senate by Troy Republican Martin Howrylak, the bill amends the Michigan Memorial Highway Act to make the new designation. Chivas was killed by escaped convicts in 1974.

Chivas was shot and killed at a Troy gas station in 1974, by two escaped prisoners from Marquette. Before they shot Officer Chivas, the men kidnapped and killed a Marquette waitress, as well as a 17-year-old service station attendant in Milwaukee. The prisoners were recaptured and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Officer Chivas was just 24 years old and had been with the Troy Police Department for three years.

“Officer Martin ‘Marty’ Chivas paid the ultimate sacrifice to keep our community safe,” Howrylak, aid in a statement. “This legislation will allow us to express our gratitude for his service and renaming a portion of Interstate 75 will mean a great deal to the community.”

In a unanimous vote, the Michigan Senate passed the legislation, which now heads to Governor Rick Snyder for final consideration, according to Senator Howrylak.

Over 450 officers attended Chivas’ memorial. The funeral procession was over three miles long, and drew officers from as far away as Cleveland and Indianapolis, according to press reports at the time.

Photo via Troy Police.