HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 11

(By Delegate Barnhart)

[Introduced January 10, 2024; Referred
to the Committee on Technology and Infrastructure then Rules]

Requesting the Division of Highways name a bridge bearing Bridge Number: 43-047/00-012.61  (43A203), (39.08363, -81.13852) locally known as Beatrice Girder Bridge, carrying WV 47 over INDIAN CREEK in Ritchie County as the "VFD Gregory Linn Haught Memorial Bridge".

Whereas, Gregory Linn Haught was born October 28, 1958, the son of the late Eldon Haught and Mary Haught; and

Whereas, Gregory Linn Haught graduated from Harrisville High School in 1976 and had a love for welding as he had grown up around the family's oilfield shop; and

Whereas, Gregory Linn Haught went on to work in the same shop after graduation, and was the first out of the door to respond on the day of his fatal accident; and

Whereas, Gregory Linn Haught was the second man on a two and one half inch hose when something exploded on the porch of the burning house; and

Whereas, Gregory Linn Haught was involved in the explosion causing the firefighters to lose control of the fire hose, which caused the nozzle to fatally strike him in the head; and

Whereas, Sadly, Gregory Linn Haught passed away on February 3, 1977, as a result of the accident while in the line of duty as a volunteer fireman for the Smithville Volunteer Fire Department; and

Whereas, Gregory Linn Haught had a giving heart, and was always helping others in the community; and

Whereas, Gregory Linn Haught lived his entire, short eighteen year old life in the community of Beatrice, West Virginia within sight of the newly rebuilt bridge; and

Whereas, For these reasons, it is fitting and proper that the bridge be named in honor of Gregory Linn Haught; therefore, be it

Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:

That the Division of Highways name a bridge bearing Bridge Number: 43-047/00-012.61  () (43A203), (39.08363, -81.13852) locally known as Beatrice Girder Bridge, carrying WV 47 over INDIAN CREEK in Ritchie County as the "VFD Gregory Linn Haught Memorial Bridge".;" and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Commissioner of the Division of Highways is requested to erect signs at both ends of the bridge containing bold and prominent letters proclaiming the bridge as the "VFD Gregory Linn Haught Memorial Bridge"; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Clerk of the House forward a copy of this resolution to the Commissioner of the Division of Highways.