A portion of Interstate 75 was named Friday in remembrance of a Florida Highway Patrol trooper who was killed in 2014 at a crash scene along with a tow truck driver and a Villages sales agent.
The stretch of I-75 between Mile Markers 340 and 344 was designated as the “Trooper Chelsea Richard Memorial Highway.” Gov. Ron DeSantis signed into law this past July a transportation bill renaming that portion of I-75 in honor of Richard. She was killed in the line of duty on May 3, 2014 when she was struck by another vehicle while conducting a crash investigation near Mile Marker 342 on the southbound side of the interstate. Marion County commissioners also blessed the plan this past August.
“The death of any trooper is a true loss for the Florida Highway Patrol and for the State of Florida, but when that trooper is a vibrant young 30-year-old mother who leaves behind a 4-year-old son and loving would-be fiancé, our hearts ache that much more”, said Sen. Lauren Book. “Remembered as grateful and giving, Trooper Chelsea Renee Richard was a beam of light for the Ocala District Command Office, for all those she worked with, and for those whose lives she touched out on the roadway.”
Book said Richard came to work each day willing to “run toward danger” when others ran away.
“During her near decade of service, there is no telling how many lives Trooper Richard saved and protected, how many individuals and fellow patrolmen she assisted in times of emergency,” Book said. “But while we may never know the totality of her service, the people whose lives she touched know and remember.”
Book also said that Richard provided assistance and safety in times of fear, stress and confusion.
“We thank her for her courage,” she said. “It is my honor to have worked with FHP and the Florida Legislature to ensure the proper recognition of Trooper Richard and the legacy of service she has left behind. Gone, but never forgotten.”
Richard was a member of the FHP for nine years. She began her career with the agency on June 20, 2005 as a member of the 111th Basic Recruit Class in Tallahassee. Her first duty assignment was in Troop C – Brooksville, before transferring to Troop B – Ocala. On May 3, 2014, while investigating the traffic crash on I-75, she was struck and killed by a vehicle driven by 22-year-old Troy T. Owens, of Ocala. Tow truck driver John Duggan and Villages sales agent George Phillips also were struck and killed in the incident.
“Paying tribute to Trooper Richard by naming a portion of Interstate 75 in her honor is a great tribute,” said Col. Gene S. Spaulding, director of the Florida Highway Patrol. “Trooper Richard was dedicated to serving the residents and visitors of this state as a Florida Highway Patrol Trooper, and the ultimate sacrifice she paid is well deserving of this recognition.”