A segment of U.S. 52 in Indianapolis has been designated in memory of Officer Breann Leath to honor her service and sacrifice. The Indiana Department of Transportation has officially recognized this stretch of roadway between Davis Road and German Church Road as the "Officer Breann Leath Memorial Mile," as reported by CBS4Indy.
Officer Leath, a member of the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD), was shot and killed while to swiftly respond to a domestic disturbance in April 2020. Her death has left a lasting impact on the IMPD and the community she served. The naming of this stretch of highway, passed by the Indiana General Assembly in House Concurrent Resolution 4, acts as a public tribute to her commitment to public service. INDOT Commissioner Mike Smith stated in a news release, "We dedicate this stretch of road in Officer Leath's memory and to commend her tremendous commitment to public service," as detailed by CBS4Indy.
The Indianapolis community and Leath’s colleagues from the East District showed their support during the unveiling of the memorial mile signs. "If she was standing here today, her message to me would not be, to cry for me or to say what I did," IMPD East District Commander Michael Leepper told WTHR. Leepper emphasized that Leath would want to encourage the officers still working to protect the community in her stead.
Efforts to rename the road were initiated by State Representative Mitch Gore and have been met with gratitude from Leath's family. Her mother, Jennifer Leath, conveyed her thanks to the Indiana General Assembly, the IMPD, and everyone involved in keeping her daughter's legacy alive. Speaking to WRTV, Jennifer Leath recalled her daughter's vibrant spirit, saying, "Breann was truly the epitome of joy."
The Officer Breann Leath Memorial Mile, now a part of U.S. 52, serves as a reminder of her service and the ultimate sacrifice made by an officer recognized for her dedication and compassion. This memorial acknowledges her contributions and honors the sacrifices made by her and her family, as noted in the resolution referred to in the INDOT news release, cited by CBS4Indy.
