-- Bridge naming will honor the bravery and sacrifice of Hanover County’s late firefighter Lt. Bradford T. Clark --
Central Virginia- On October 11, 2018 Hanover County Lt. Bradford T. Clark tragically died in a collision while responding to an emergency roadside assistance call. Hanover- Company 6 was on the scene providing assistance to distressed motorists on I-295 near Pole Green and Meadowbridge Road when a tractor trailer struck the parked firetruck from behind. Lt. Brad Clark was killed and three other firefighters were injured.
At the request of the Clark family, on October 31st, Delegate Christopher K. Peace (R-Hanover) filed House Bill (HB) 1633 which will be heard in the 2019 General Assembly session. HB 1633 proposes naming the bridge over Interstate 295 at Pole Green and Meadowbridge Roads in honor of the fallen firefighter. Delegate Peace is actively recruiting the other members of the Hanover County delegation to the General Assembly to sign on as co-patrons. Peace also reached out to Hanover County and has requested the Board of Supervisors immediately adopt a resolution in support of the bridge naming. The Lieutenant Bradford T. Clark Memorial Bridge will serve as a reminder of the dedication and sacrifice of a fallen hero and to recognize the service of all firefighters and emergency responders in our community.
Additionally, Peace has approached the Clark family and the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) for additional measure to authorize the creation of a “Brad Clark memorial license plate” that would provide resources to support greater awareness of motorists moving over on the highways and by-ways of the state. Once authorized by the General Assembly, DMV will need at least 450 prepaid applications within 30 days of the effective date of the authorization.
A few years ago, Peace successfully passed legislation to create a special license plate to honor the legacy and memory of Meg Cross Menzies, a Hanover mother and avid runner. The 2016 success of HB 1312 authorized the issuance of special license plates for supporters of the safety of runners bearing the legend MEG'S MILES.
Plans are also in the works for legislation to enhance the penalties for failing to adequately move over for safety personnel. If you are interested in being added to the list to reserve a specialty plate please email Delegate Chris Peace at info@chrispeace.com. Reference ”Brad’s Plate” in the subject line. Standard plates cost $35 and personalized plates are $45.