NAPPANEE - Master Trooper James Bailey was struck and killed by a fleeing vehicle on Ind. 69, south of Auburn, while attempting to deploy spike strips. Bailey was performing traffic control duties as the result of several crashes on the interstate when he was notified of a vehicle pursuit involving the Fort Wayne Police Department. The pursuit entered on Ind. 69 toward Bailey's location. The fleeing vehicle was traveling at a high rate of speed and struck Trooper Bailey as he attempted to deploy spike strips near mile marker 326. He was transported to a nearby hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. As of today, according to the Officer Down memorial page there are 33 total deaths nationwide thus far in 2023. The total line of duty deaths according to the same website in 2022 was 245, according to a provided news release.
There is an upcoming opportunity coming soon to make a difference. The “Red Loves the Blue” tractor drive – a drive for all brands of tractors– will be taking place to raise money for Indiana Fallen Heroes. The drive is scheduled for May 20 at 9:30 a.m. Eastern time in Nappanee. In order to drive, a donation is asked for. All proceeds will go to the Indiana Fallen Heroes Foundation which is an Indiana-based non-profit that provides support for surviving family members of Indiana police officers who have been killed in the line of duty. One hundred percent of the funds stay in Indiana and go to the families of fallen heroes; there are no administrative costs. The tractor drive will begin and end at the Nappanee Power from the Past show grounds located at 675 N. Arnott St. Nappanee. They will be escorted by law enforcement.
The following are requirements for the drive: minimum speed of 10 miles per hour, no fender riders allowed, and have fun. The route will go from Nappanee to Wakarusa and back again, an 18-mile round trip. It will culminate by driving through the center of downtown Nappanee. By driving in the event, you will be showing solidarity with not only local police, but law officers all across Indiana, stated the release.
If you don’t have a tractor to drive, you can still show support in many ways: Load up your tractor and ride; come out and donate to a worthy cause and let the officers in attendance know they are appreciated; ride along on the tram (seating is limited and will be first-come, first-served basis); come out to either uptown Wakarusa or Nappanee and line the route to show your support. The tractor drive should go through Wakarusa around 10:30 a.m. and Nappanee at about 11:30 a.m.
You can also go to www.indianafallen.org to find out more and donate directly.
If you have any questions, call or text Rob Meyers at 574-354-7244 or email him at legonutt@yahoo.com.
