SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 26

(By Senators Swope, Jeffries, Plymale, Beach, Lindsay, Stollings, Boso, and Maynard)

[Introduced February 8, 2019]

Requesting the Division of Highways name bridge number 28-19-31.63 (28A066), locally known as Flat Top Overpass Bridge No. 1, carrying US 19 over Interstate 77 in Mercer County, the “Thompson-Lambert Memorial Bridge”.

Whereas, Tragedy befell Mercer County on August 16, 2018, when the vehicles of three employees of the West Virginia Parkways Authority’s Courtesy Patrol were struck while on duty by a tractor-trailer at mile marker 23 on the West Virginia Turnpike; and

Whereas, Emergency responders pronounced Nathan Thompson, 32, of Princeton, dead at the scene. Mr. Thompson’s nephew, Richard Lambert, 21, of Kegley, died at a Roanoke, Virginia, hospital on the following day. The third victim, Ethan Kestner, 19, also of Princeton, is still recovering from his injuries; and

Whereas, All three young men were known to be good employees of the turnpike authority, as well as decent, law-abiding citizens. Mr. Thompson and Mr. Lambert were both known as beloved family members. Since the time of the tragic accident, the entire Mercer County community has been saddened by the loss of the two young men and united in its thoughts and prayers for the recovery of Mr. Kestner; and

Whereas, All three young men are a special fraternity of employees who are partners in public service. Many public servants toil in often dangerous situations. While they take extraordinary precautions to ensure the safety of themselves and the public they serve, there is always an element of potential danger inherent in any occupation that must be performed in close proximity to large, heavy, fast-moving vehicles; and

Whereas, Partners in public service hope to return home to their families at the end of each duty assignment. When that does not happen, the sadness that ensues is shared by more than just their families and friends; and

Whereas, It is fitting that an enduring memorial be established to commemorate Nathan Thompson and Richard Lambert; therefore, be it

Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:

That the Division of Highways is hereby requested to name bridge number 28-19-31.63 (28A066), locally known as Flat Top Overpass Bridge No. 1, carrying US 19 over Interstate 77 in Mercer County, the “Thompson-Lambert Memorial Bridge”; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Division of Highways is hereby requested to have made and be placed signs identifying the bridge as the “Thompson-Lambert Memorial Bridge”; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Clerk of the Senate is hereby directed to forward a copy of this resolution to the Commissioner of the Division of Highways.