Senate designates Tooele roadway as Jordan M. Byrd Memorial Highway

The Utah Senate on Day 10 approved Senate Bill 54, designating State Route 179 (Mid Valley Highway) in Tooele County as the "Jordan M. Byrd Memorial Highway." Senator Hinkins presented the bill, which the Tooele City Corporation brought forward, and recounted Private First Class Jordan M. Byrd’s actions in Afghanistan that led to a posthumous Silver Star.

Hinkins described Byrd’s battlefield actions, noting that despite intense enemy fire and mortar impacts he repeatedly exposed himself to treat a wounded comrade and was fatally wounded while applying life-saving medical care. "Private first class Byrd shielded the casualty…placed a tourniquet…was fatally wounded," Hinkins said, adding that the family was present for recognition on the floor.

The Senate moved under suspension of rules, suspended the constitutional third-reading requirement, and approved SB54 on a roll-call vote (24 yeas, 0 nays, 5 absent). Family members in the gallery were asked to stand and were recognized following the vote.

The bill will be transmitted to the House for its consideration.