EUREKA — At the annual Workers Memorial in Eureka Wednesday morning, Caltrans District 1 staff and local officials gathered to honor highway workers who lost their lives in the line of duty. Caltrans District 1 serves approximately 940 miles of coastal and inland state highways in Humboldt, Del Norte, Lake and Mendocino counties.
With work zone fatalities and serious injuries on the rise in California since 2010, the event underscored the critical need for increased safety awareness among workers and motorists alike. Workers put their lives at risk every day to ensure roads and bridges remain safe for the traveling public.
“It’s always a solemn reminder when we gather to honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice to protect others on state highways,” said Caltrans District 1 Director Matt Brady. “Safety has always been, and will continue to be, our top priority. This ceremony enables us to reinforce our focus on safety and providing the public with vital information on potential hazards.”
Motorists are reminded to slow down, stay alert, avoid distractions, and move over when they see amber flashing lights—simple actions that help protect highway workers. Since 1921, 194 Caltrans employees statewide have lost their lives while working on California's state highway system.
A moment of silence was observed during the ceremony, followed by a tribute in which Caltrans staff presented 17 orange cones as District 1 Maintenance Manager Paul Johnson read the names of the fallen workers from the district.
Alongside Brady, featured speakers included Acting Division Chief of Maintenance Bobi Hettick, Deputy District 1 Director Tom Fitzgerald, North Region Construction Manager Sebastian Cohen, Humboldt County Second District Supervisor Michelle Bushnell, and Ukiah Area California Highway Patrol Commander Lt. Gabe Parker.
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