The Washington State Transportation Commission voted to rename the new Skagit River Bridge after Washington State Patrol Trooper Sean O’Connell.
O’Connell was killed in the line of duty on May 31st while directing traffic through detours around the collapsed bridge. He was a 16-year veteran of the State Patrol, as well as a loving husband and father of two. Friends, family, neighbors and coworkers praised his compassionate service to his community after his death.
During the end of the first special session, the House adopted House Resolution 4657, commending Trooper Sean M. O’Connell Jr. for his exemplary service. In the presence of his family and colleagues in the State Patrol, legislators honored O’Connell for his tremendous work and the sacrifice he made to keep our highways safe.
40th district legislators Jeff Morris and Kristine Lytton also wrote a letter to Transportation Commission urging them to adopt the name change. Thanks to their efforts, as well as those of their colleagues in the Senate and the Transportation Commission, the new Skagit River Bridge will be known as the Trooper Sean M. O’Connell Jr. Memorial Bridge.