The Sugarcreek Truss Bridge on Sugarcreek Drive was renamed in memory of a fallen Rocky Grove volunteer firefighter during a Saturday morning ceremony.
The bridge was designated two days before Memorial Day as the Lt. Andrew J. White Memorial Bridge in honor of White, who died in the line of duty on Jan. 11, 2001, while fighting a mobile home fire.
State Sen. Scott Hutchinson included the renaming of the bridge in his Senate Bill 1315, which was passed in June.
“Although we feel sadness today, we celebrate a life well lived in service to others; a brave, committed, loyal and courageous young man with a gentle, loving side,” Hutchinson said during the ceremony.
State Rep. R. Lee James, R-64th District; Sugarcreek police Chief Matthew Carlson; and Sugarcreek Mayor Jeff MacKenzie also offered remarks, commending White and his 12-year service to the Rocky Grove Fire Department.
A large audience, that included family and friends of White and local firefighters, watched as firefighters from Oil City and Franklin unveiled the signs designating the recently renovated bridge and its new name.
