Family, Friends, Michigan State Police and More Honor Trooper Larry Forreider With a Memorial Highway

It’s been almost 44 years since Trooper Larry Lee Forreider died in the line of duty. A memorial highway was unveiled in Alpena in his honor.

It was a day of high and lows, but a long and anticipated moment as family members, MSP Alpena Post, other law enforcement teams, state representatives, and friends of Trooper Larry Lee Forreider gathered together on US–23 North near Hamilton Road to dedicate a memorial in honor of Forreider.

“It means the world to us as a family,” Trooper Forreider’s daughter, Lisa Shanley said.

The 33–year–old was killed in the line of duty on December 5th 1974. He was the 30th trooper killed with Michigan State Police. He left behind a wife and two children. Forreider’s widow Betty Thom, said for her, the dedication is bittersweet.

“It will bring back a lot of memories, but it also brings back the good memories. Thinking about everything that everyone has done is going to be a lot of stuff but all good stuff. I’m just thankful that all of this happened today,” Thom said.

First Lieutenant John Grimshaw became a bit overwhelmed with emotion as he gave remarks during Friday’s dedication.

“This is an easy thing for us to do, and honor him, and pay tribute to a trooper who gave an ultimate sacrifice. I want to think everybody for taking the time to come out here and honor a fallen police officer,” Lt. Grimshaw said.

Shanley said her father loved the waters, and outdoors. She said driving by the new sign would help her remember all of those good times.

“We think of him when we’re out doing all of those things, and in a way he still is here,” she noted.