Press Release: Section of I-94 in Jackson will honor two slain corrections officers

Gov. Rick Snyder signed a bill today that will rename Interstate 94 between exits 139 and 141 in Jackson to the “Corrections Officers Jack Budd and Josephine McCallum Memorial Highway.”

Michigan Corrections Organization (MCO) partnered with Rep. Julie Alexander (R-Hanover) to pass HB 5923 and ensure Officers Budd and McCallum will never be forgotten.

“They gave the ultimate sacrifice in service to Michigan, to keep others safe,” said Jeremy Tripp, MCO’s Director of Government and Political Affairs. “Soon, thousands of vehicles on I-94 will pass by a sign that will remind the public of the sacrifice Budd and McCallum made and the tough job corrections staff walk into every day. I’m grateful to Rep. Alexander for working with us to make this possible.”

Budd and McCallum were corrections officers killed in the line of duty 31 years ago at what was then called the State Prison of Southern Michigan in Jackson. The prison has since been separated into several smaller prisons for safety.

“Corrections Officers Jack Budd and Josephine McCallum made the ultimate sacrifice to maintain public safety and protect our community,” said Alexander, of Hanover. “This highway memorial recognizes their bravery and commitment for their service.”

McCallum was murdered on March 24, 1987. She was brutally attacked, raped and left at the bottom of a stairwell. She left behind a husband and son. An inmate killed Budd Dec. 27 that year. Budd’s survivors include a wife and son. Families of both officers attended MCO’s Fallen Officers Memorial Dedication in May 2017.

“This recognition is long overdue,” MCO President Byron Osborn said. “We appreciate the efforts of our members and legislators working together to rename this stretch of highway.”

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Michigan Corrections Organization/SEIU represents more than 6,000 corrections and forensic officers working at state prisons and at the Center for Forensic Psychiatry.