Sep. 27, 2022
HARRISBURG – A portion of State Route 994 over the Blacklog Creek in Cromwell Township, Huntingdon County, has been named the Lieutenant Joseph O. Stevens Memorial Bridge, announced Rep. Rich Irvin (R-Huntingdon/Centre/Mifflin), author of the bill creating the designation.
Stevens was a pilot during World War II in the 9th U.S. Army Air Corps, 387th Bomb Group, 559th Squadron, and served in Ardennes, Rhineland and Central Europe where he earned the Silver Star and an Air Medal with four Oak Leaf Clusters.
A resident of Orbisonia, Stevens became a well-respected dentist in the community after his return from the war, as well as a devoted husband and father of three. He was also a former Boy Scout leader, was active in the Southern Huntingdon County High School Booster Club and was instrumental in the establishment of the Huntingdon County Vo-Tech School, now the Huntingdon County Career and Technology Center.
“Joe Stevens loved his country and loved his community,” said Irvin. “The sacrifices of people like Joe and his comrades helped shape the world we live in today and I can think of no better way to memorialize him and his patriotism than to designate a roadway where people can be reminded of his legacy every time they pass by the sign bearing his name.”
Stevens passed away on Jan. 6, 2020. Present for the bridge sign unveiling were Stevens’ family and friends.
Representative Rich Irvin
81st Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Tricia Lehman
717.772.9840
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Rep. Rich Irvin (far right) authored a bill naming a portion of State Route 994 over the Blacklog Creek in Cromwell Township, Huntingdon County, the Lieutenant Joseph O. Stevens Memorial Bridge. Joining Irvin for the bridge dedication ceremony were family members of Stevens.