SB 84-NAMING TROOPER GABE RICH MEMORIAL BRIDGE  1:44:14 PM CHAIR HUGHES announced the consideration of SENATE BILL NO. 84 "An Act naming the Trooper Gabe Rich Memorial Bridge." 1:46:09 PM RYNNIEVA MOSS, Staff, Senator John Coghill, Alaska State Legislature, Juneau, introduced herself and Intern Radames Mercado. 1:46:50 PM RADAMES MERCADO, Intern, Senator John Coghill, Alaska State Legislature, Juneau, introduced SB 84 speaking to the following sponsor statement: [Original punctuation provided.] Senate Bill 84 (SB 84) Naming the Trooper Gabe Rich Memorial Bridge SB 84 will rename bridge number 392 over the Chatanika River at mile 38.8 of the Steese Highway to the "Trooper Gabe Rich Memorial Bridge". The name change honors Trooper Gabe Rich, who performed his duties as an Alaska State Trooper with honor and courage until his End of Watch on May 1, 2014. This bill will memorialize his name onto the bridge approximately two hours from Central, Alaska, Gabe's favorite place to visit in the state. He took many camping and hunting trips with his grandfather Dick Ganley in the Central community and became lifelong friends with several people there; Gabe made acquaintances with many different people of all ages and backgrounds, showing each of them respect. Gabe Rich became the captain of the Lathrup High School hockey team during his senior year, graduating from Lathrop High School in 2006; like many Alaskans, Gabe enjoyed snow machining in the Alaskan winters, playing hockey with friends, and hunting with those he was close to. He attended Montana State University and the University of Alaska Anchorage before becoming a law enforcement officer, and in 2013, Gabe was given an Accommodation for Honorable Service. Gabe's last assignment as an Alaska State Trooper was in the "D" Detachments Rural Unit, which is responsible for protecting and covering 77,000 sq. miles of Alaskan Frontier. The Trooper Gabe Rich Memorial Bridge will stand to remind Alaskans of the dedication and the sacrifice that Trooper Rich made on their behalf. Trooper Gabe Rich is survived by: his fianc?, Angie Rich; sons, Lenox and Malakai; parents, David and Patty Rich. CHAIR HUGHES directed attention to the photo of Trooper Rich in the packets. She mentioned the zero fiscal note and asked how the signage would be handled. 1:49:00 PM MR. MERCADO explained that the sign will be fabricated and installed when the bridge is next updated. The project will cover the cost of the signage. CHAIR HUGHES asked when that might happen. MR. MERCADO said he understands it will be in the next five years. He clarified that SB 84 is the companion to Representative Talerico's bill. He has been in contact with the Department of Transportation and Public Facilities and therefore knows more about the timeline. SENATOR SHOWER asked for clarification that the family has been asked and is supportive of this effort. He noted that the committee was taken by surprise when it heard another bill to rename a bridge and the surviving spouse voiced reservations about the effort. MR. MERCADO replied he has been working with the family to make sure they approve and there are four signature sheets indicating support for this effort. He described the overall support for renaming the bridge as very high. CHAIR HUGHES noted that copies of the signature sheets were in the packets. MS. MOSS clarified that her office began discussing renaming the Tok River Bridge (SB 4) with Brandy Johnson in October 2018 and Ms. Johnson never indicated she opposed the effort. SENATOR SHOWER said he wasn't blaming anyone, but the miscommunication took everyone by surprise. MS. MOSS said it has been a very emotional experience for Ms. Johnson and she prays for her. 1:52:17 PM CHAIR HUGHES opened public testimony for SB 84. 1:52:29 PM ANGIE RICH, representing Trooper Rich's family, Fairbanks, said the family definitely supports SB 84. Mr. Mercado has been very careful and diligent in his work with the family to make sure they support and are part of the process to rename the bridge. She said it's important to the family to know that Gabe will not be forgotten and that his name will be memorialized in a positive way. This peaceful site is traditional to Alaska and a place that is part of Gabe's childhood. CHAIR HUGHES expressed appreciation for her testimony and all the things that Gabe did to make the state a safer place. 1:54:38 PM RONALD WALL, Captain, Alaska State Troopers, Department of Public Safety, Fairbanks, said he was testifying on behalf of the agency to say that it was a pleasure to work with Trooper Rich. He worked patrol and rural and was pending a transfer to Southeast. Not only was he an outstanding trooper, he was also an exceptional father. He brought joy and happiness to those around him. The department supports SB 84, he said. 1:56:27 PM DAVID RICH, representing self, Fairbanks, said he wanted to echo Angie's testimony. The family is proud that the state is doing this. It will live on with us as we cross that bridge, and it will be nice for others to see Gabe's name and remember him, he said. CHAIR HUGHES thanked him for the sacrifice he made as a father. 1:58:07 PM CHAIR HUGHES closed public testimony and held SB 84 in committee.