Pineville bridge renamed to honor fallen firefighter Richard Sheltra

PINEVILLE, N.C. — A bridge in Pineville has been renamed in honor of fallen firefighter Richard Sheltra.

The North Carolina Board of Transportation unanimously approved the naming of the bridge over Little Sugar Creek on South Polk Street as The Richard Sheltra Bridge.

Sheltra, 20, lost his life fighting a commercial building fire started by lightning in April 2016.

Richard Sheltra’s father Mike spoke to Channel 9's Paul Boyd on Thursday and said the moment was bittersweet.

"It's quite an honor and we're truly grateful," Mike Sheltra said.

Richard's uncle Craig Sheltra spoke at a meeting in Raleigh.

"On behalf of the family, this means the world to us that the community that he represented won't forget him," Craig Sheltra said.

Richard Sheltra's family and the Pineville Fire Department have dedicated themselves to raising money and awareness for other small fire departments in North Carolina.

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Pineville Fire Chief Mike Gerin was at the proclamation in Raleigh and also spoke to Channel 9 on Thursday.

"When something tragic like this happens it's such a good thing to be able to continue to honor them and we hope that everybody that goes across that bridge remembers Richard," Gerin said.

The newly named bridge will be dedicated during a ceremony in about eight weeks with signage honoring Richard Sheltra displayed prominently.

Rep. Scott Stone (R - Mecklenburg) and Pineville Mayor Jack Edwards submitted a request earlier this year to honor Sheltra and pushed to make the naming happened as quickly as possible.

"Richard Sheltra gave his life in service to his community," Rep. Scott Stone said. "It is fitting that he be remembered for this sacrifice."

"I'm grateful to all those who have supported this effort over the past year," Pineville Mayor Jack Edwards said. "I am proud that Pineville will have a permanent memorial to Richard Sheltra."

The Sheltra family and Pineville officials are now traveling to Maryland for the Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend, where Richard Sheltra will be on the 2017 Roll of Honor.

Cox Media Group