The new Hubbard Main Street bridge marks the city’s first tribute to local first responders, with officials praising their courage and commitment

HUBBARD, Ohio — Hubbard marked a new community tribute on Oct. 25 with the dedication of the Hubbard First Responders Bridge, recognizing the city’s police, fire and emergency personnel.

Mayor Ben Kyle said recognizing first responders was vital because they are “a pillar of the community,” comparable to strong schools and churches, The Vindicator reported.

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The ceremony included a ribbon cutting and a ceremonial first crossing by Hubbard and Hubbard Township police and fire units. The bridge, located on Main Street just north of St. Patrick Catholic Church, is the first in Hubbard dedicated to public safety forces. In recent years, the city has named three other bridges in honor of military veterans.

Police chaplain Pastor Dave Garlich said that first responders are uniquely called to face traumatic and unpredictable situations, crediting their faith for their ability to serve.

“They are to expertly remediate the immediate challenge, have to walk in blind, assess and do what is necessary to bring more normalcy to that which is traumatic,” Garlich said. And whether the person who has been injured is known to the first responder or not, “commitment to the task must remain unchanged.”

After the bridge dedication, the Joint Eagle Fire District marked its 150th anniversary, dating to the Hubbard Volunteer Fire District in 1875, with a ceremony outside the fire station, where Hubbard and Hubbard Township officials read resolutions. The district serves both the city and the township.

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