Former State Trooper honored with bridge in Clearfield County

CLEARFIELD COUNTY (WTAJ) — Retired Trooper Brad Wilson was celebrated with the US Route 219 bridge being renamed in his honor, now called the Trooper First Class Brad Wilson Honorary Bridge.

Trooper Wilson first started serving his community and nation out of high school when he joined the Air Force. When he returned home, he joined the Pennsylvania State Police where he served the community on a variety of calls before his last call as a trooper.

In 2013, Wilson was attempting to serve a warrant in Jefferson County when the troopers started to take on gunfire. Wilson was struck twice, once in the neck and once in the upper torso.

He was medically evacuated and flown to Altoona Regional Medical Center for emergency surgery. He was then taken to UPMC Pittsburgh for recovery.

“Brad is a miracle before our eyes. Look at this fella, He’s a true miracle,” Pennsylvania State Police Corporal Robert McGarvey said.

The ceremony had several speakers who knew Wilson, worked with him and helped make the bridge dedication possible.

Wilson was in attendance for the ceremony as well. He said that he didn’t want the bridge to represent only his efforts as a trooper but also the people who were with him after his injury.

Get the latest news, weather forecasts and sports stories delivered straight to your inbox! Sign up for our newsletters .

“Brad and I talked earlier this week and he was adamant that he wanted to make this celebration, this dedication, not about him, but to all the people. Who have journeyed with Brad these last 11 years,” McGarvey said.

Former state police partner Janice Bart shared stories of her time working with Wilson and described him as the “cream of the crop” because he was determined to serve the community.

“In describing retired Trooper Brad Wilson, it is just that. The best of the best. The cream of the crop. A soldier of the law,” Bart said.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTAJ - www.wtaj.com.