LANSING — The Senate Transportation and Infrastructure Committee approved a bill sponsored by Sen. Ed McBroom that would rename a portion of M-35 in Forsyth Township as the Ben Lauren and Don Riling Memorial Highway.

McBroom was joined at the committee in support of the bill by state Rep. Sara Cambensy, and by Marquette County Commissioner Bill Nordeen and Forsyth Township Supervisor Joe Boogren, who testified remotely.

“Ben Lauren and Don Riling were fearless public servants who lost their lives while helping to save others,” said McBroom, R-Waucedah Township. “While there is nothing we can do to repay their sacrifice, designating the Ben Lauren and Don Riling Memorial Highway along M-35 will help honor their memory and ensure future generations are reminded of their selfless bravery. I thank everyone from Forsyth Township for their encouragement in getting this bill introduced and I am hopeful it will become law soon.”

Forsyth Township Fire Department Captain Benjamin Lauren, 23, of Gwinn, died in the line of duty while fighting a structure fire on March 13.

Don Riling was a professional firefighter with the U.S. Air Force and volunteer firefighter with the Forsyth Township Fire Department who died while fighting a house fire in the township on March 19, 1988.