Released by the Florida Highway Patrol …
Ocala, Fla. – On Friday, February 28, 2020, a portion of Interstate 75 between the 340 and 344 mile marker in Marion County will be named in remembrance of fallen Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) Trooper, Chelsea Renee Richard.
“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 Senator 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. She showed up to work each day willing to run toward danger at times when others are running 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. But while we may never know the totality of her service, the people whose lives she touched know and remember. With kind actions and words, and Trooper Chelsea Richard provided assistance and safety in times of fear, stress, and confusion. We thank her for her courage. 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.”
Trooper Richard was a member of the Florida Highway Patrol, serving the citizens and visitors of Florida for nine years. She began her career with FHP 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 a traffic crash on Interstate 75 in Ocala, she and two other individuals were struck by a passing motorist – all three suffered fatal injuries.
“Paying tribute to Trooper Richard by naming a portion of Interstate 75 in her honor is a great tribute,” said Colonel 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.”
The Roadway Dedication Ceremony will be held at the Ocala Florida Highway Patrol Station located at 600 SE 25 Avenue Ocala FL 34471 and will begin at 2:00 PM.