HB 88-NAMING TROOPER GABE RICH MEMORIAL BRIDGE  1:39:40 PM CHAIR HUGHES reconvened the meeting and announced the consideration of HOUSE BILL NO. 88 "An Act naming the Trooper Gabe Rich Memorial Bridge." 1:39:58 PM REPRESENTATIVE DAVE TALERICO, Alaska State Legislature, Juneau, sponsor of HB 88, introduced the bill paraphrasing the following sponsor statement: The legislation amends Alaska Statute 35.40 by naming bridge number 392 over the Chatanika River at mile 38.8 of the Steese Highway to be named the Trooper Gabe Rich Memorial Bridge. On May 1, 2014, Gabriel "Gabe" Lenox Rich, gave his life while answering the call of duty in Tanana. Gabe attended Lathrop High School, graduating in 2006. He attended Montana State University and the University of Alaska Anchorage before pursuing his lifelong dream of entering the ranks of law enforcement. After graduating from the Fairbanks Police Academy in 2007, he went to work for the North Pole Police department until being accepted by the Alaska State Troopers in 2011. Of all of his achievements, the greatest of these soon followed when he became a father. Integrity was the foundation of his career as a trooper, and love was his foundation at home. As a father and spouse, you couldn't have asked for a more dedicated and compassionate man. In his career, Gabe was dependable, kind and had an innate ability to bring comfort in difficult situations. He loved his work and those he worked with. Gabe Rich was an Alaska State Trooper killed in the line of duty on May 1, 2014. He had served the State of Alaska over 7 years. Let this be a lasting memorial to a man who gave his life in the line of duty to the citizens of the State of Alaska. He highlighted that his peers spoke very highly of Trooper Rich, which speaks volumes about his character. CHAIR HUGHES ask Mr. Studler if he had anything to add. 1:42:14 PM THOMAS STUDLER, Staff, Representative Dave Talerico, Alaska State Legislature, Juneau, said he fully supports this effort and he knows that the family solicited signatures on a petition to support the renaming. In a matter of days they received more than 125 signatures. CHAIR HUGHES related that the committee spoke extensively about both Scott Johnson and Gabe Rich when they heard the companion bills. 1:43:16 PM CHAIR HUGHES opened public testimony on HB 88. 1:43:34 PM RODIMUS MERCADO, Intern, Senator John Coghill, Alaska State Legislature, Juneau, said he worked on the companion bills and it was an honor to hear the stories about both Trooper Gabe Rich and Trooper Scott Johnson. He will think of them every May 1st and he hopes everyone who sees the names on these bridges will have the same experience. CHAIR HUGHES asked if there has been any conversation about having the bill signing on the fifth anniversary. MR. MERCADO said he hadn't heard anything about the signing, and he might not be there when it happens, but he will be there in spirit. CHAIR HUGHES commented that regardless of when the bill is signed, she's sure that May 1 will be a day of remembrance. 1:46:11 PM CHAIR HUGHES closed public testimony on HB 88. Finding no further discussion, she asked the will of the committee. 1:46:21 PM SENATOR SHOWER moved to report HB 88, work order 31-LS0658\A, from committee with individual recommendations and attached zero fiscal note(s). CHAIR HUGHES stated that without objection, HB 88 moved from the Senate Transportation Standing Committee. SENATOR WILSON thanked Representative Talerico and Senator Coghill for their due diligence.