Indianapolis, IN - Recently, an Indiana State Senator, an INDOT Hoosier Helper and an Indiana State Trooper teamed up to help a family stranded along the highway.

On Saturday, September 25, 2021, at 10:45 a.m. Indiana State Police Dispatchers received a call about a van facing the wrong direction on the side of I-65 just north of downtown Indianapolis. Trooper Daryl Smith, along with Hoosier Helper Brian Hanes were both dispatched to the area to assist.

When they arrived they determined the van had blown a tire causing it to spin out, thankfully not hitting anything. The van was occupied by an adult female and her six children. The driver explained to the Trooper that she was trying to get to her son's football game when their tire blew and she did not have a spare tire.

Upon inspection of the vehicle, Trooper Smith determined the other three tires on the vehicle were in bad condition and unsafe. Trooper Smith and Brian Hanes drove the family to their football game, but what they did next was beyond expectations of their duties. 

Trooper Smith and Hanes returned to the van on I-65. Together they jacked up the van and removed all four wheels. They took the wheels to a local Discount Tire Store where Trooper Smith paid for four new tires with his own money.

While in the tire store, Trooper Smith was approached by Indiana State Senator Greg Taylor, who happened to be in the store. After hearing the story about what the Trooper and the Hoosier Helper were doing, Senator Taylor wanted to help. Trooper Smith explained the situation to Senator Taylor and told him the mother did not have enough car seats in the van for the children who required them. Going even further, Trooper Smith and Senator Taylor went to a nearby Walmart where Senator Taylor purchased three child seats and gave them to Trooper Smith for the family.

Trooper Smith and Brian Hanes returned to the van on I-65, they installed the four brand new tires and installed the car seats in the van. Trooper Smith took the keys back to the mother at the football game, simply telling her "your tire has been repaired." He determined a family member was there to drive the mother back to her van. 

- Senator Taylor stated, "I was proud to see our public servants helping out someone that was in a stressful situation. When I was made aware of the circumstances that led to them getting involved, I felt that it was only proper for me to participate and offer my help as well. I hope the young lady that was assisted now has what she needs to safely transport her family wherever they need to go."

- Superintendent Doug Carter of the Indiana State Police said, "I am incredibly proud of all three of these men... their selfless act of kindness will have a lasting impact on this family." Supertintendent Carter also said. "Trooper Smith's actions are in the highest standings of the services provided by the Indiana State Police.