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WEATHERSFIELD -- Two bridges in the township have new names as they were officially dedicated this weekend in honor of first responders and veterans.
A ceremony attended by township and county officials and local first responders took place Saturday for the two bridges with one located off Salt Springs Road over Meander Creek and the other off West Park Avenue over the Mahoning River.
Trustee Ed Whittaker said the bridge on Salt Springs Road was named the Weathersfield Township First Responders and Veterans Bridge and the other bridge on West Park Avenue named the Disabled American Veterans Bridge.
"We thank everyone for their collaboration to make this effort possible. It is fitting to have a lasting tribute to all our past, current and future veterans and first responders. We thank them for all their efforts,'' he said.
Officials said the veterans and first responders give their best when called upon to serve and protect. Trustee Steve Gerberry said the dedication of the bridges is important since the veterans and first responders deserve acknowledgement for what they do.
"Trumbull County has a proud reputation for having many bridges named after veterans and first responders. Our veterans have fought for this country and many of them have passed away for the freedoms that we enjoy today. Our first responders keep us safe and they work hard each and every day,'' he said,
Trumbull County Engineer Randy Smith said military organizations from throughout the county have worked to get different bridges named for veterans.
Robert Marino Sr., a member of Disabled American Veterans Chapter 11 and the Veterans Service Commission, said Trumbull County has more bridges and highways dedicated to veterans than any other county in the state.
"There are 88 counties and we are number one with most bridges, highways and other things dedicated to veterans. That is dear to me.,'' Marino said.
Frank Gillespie, commander of DAV Chapter 11, said having a bridge dedicated to the DAV is a great feeling.
Weathersfield police Chief Mike Naples and fire Chief Tom Lambert said seeing the signs will remind everyone of the respect shown by the community for their service.
"All the people passing through will see that sign and know that the bridge is dedicated to the police officers and first responders of Weathersfield Township. I can honestly say the bigger honor today is to be included in a dedication with the disabled American veterans and all the veterans. Those are the true heroes of our great country. Without their sacrifices over the years we would not be in the position we are. Our officers do not look to be recognized, but they appreciate it,'' Naples said.
Lambert said it is an honor for their firefighters and first responders to be honored with a bridge in the township.
The Salt Springs Road bridge is located 0.1 mile west of state Route 46. Whittaker said these are the first two bridges in the township dedicated to veterans and first responders.
A bridge on Austintown-Warren Road was previously dedicated to fire Chief Randy Pugh, who served for many years as township fire chief.