DETECTIVE LAVERN S. BRANN MEM. HWY S.B. 99:
ANALYSIS AS REPORTED FROM COMMITTEE
Senate Bill 99 (as reported without amendment)
RATIONALE
On May 9, 2005, LaVern Brann, a detective with the Battle Creek Police Department, was shot and killed while investigating the murder of a taxi driver. His partner, Detective Greg Huggett, was wounded in the shooting. In 2007, the shooter was convicted on a number of charges related to the killing of Detective Brann and sentenced to life in prison without parole. He later pleaded no contest to the murder of the taxi driver. Detective Brann had served with the Battle Creek Police Department for 20 years and was active in his community. He is survived by his wife and two children. It has been suggested that a stretch of highway in Battle Creek should be name in Detective Brann's honor.
CONTENT
The bill would amend the Michigan Memorial Highway Act to designate the portion of Business Loop I-94 between the eastern and western city limits of the City of Battle Creek as the "Detective LaVern S. Brann Memorial Highway".
ARGUMENTS
(Please note: The arguments contained in this analysis originate from sources outside the Senate Fiscal Agency. The Senate Fiscal Agency neither supports nor opposes legislation.)
Supporting Argument
Detective LaVern Brann had a distinguished career with the Battle Creek Police Department, working in narcotics, crisis negotiation, emergency response, and violent crime investigation. He served as a community service officer, field training officer, and bloodborne pathogen coordinator, and was named the Department's "Officer of the Year" in 2002. He also received numerous accolades for his community involvement, which included service on the Pennfield Schools board of education as well as participation in the Peer Listening program, the American Red Cross, the Emergency Preparedness Expo, and the Substance Abuse Council. The Veterans of Foreign Wars named him "Police Officer of the Year" and he also was honored by the American Red Cross and the Advocates at St. Philip. As the 10th anniversary of Detective Brann's death approaches, it would be a fitting recognition of his service and sacrifice to put his name on a stretch of highway in the community that he served with such dedication.
Legislative Analyst: Julie Cassidy
FISCAL IMPACT
The bill would have no fiscal impact on State or local government.
Fiscal Analyst: Glenn Steffens
This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan Senate staff for use by the Senate in its deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.