Harrisburg – Legislation sponsored by Senator Kim Ward (R-39) designating a portion of Route 30 in Westmoreland County as the J. Edward “Hutch” Hutchinson Memorial Bypass received final legislative approval and will be signed into law by the governor.
J. Edward “Hutch” Hutchinson, who passed away on April 15, 2018, was a long-serving member and chief of Greensburg Hose Company No. 3. He was active in the fire department for more than 78 years. Throughout that time period, he was absent from the department only while serving in the Marine Corps during World War II.
Under Chief Hutchinson’s leadership, members of the Greensburg Fire Department provided assistance to other communities in need, including Hurricane Hugo relief efforts in South Carolina and helping to successfully rescue the nine miners of the Quecreek mine collapse. Among his initiatives was establishing the fire company’s scuba dive team and bloodhound team.
In 1964, Chief Hutchinson was the first recipient of the “Pennsylvania Fireman of the Year” award. Aside from his service as fire chief, Hutch was also instrumental in many community projects in Westmoreland County such as the Aerobic Center, Air Rescue East helicopter service, Mutual Aid Ambulance Service, the fitness center at Greensburg Salem High School and sports fields and various pavilions throughout Greensburg. He helped create the Westmoreland County 911 system in the 1970s and served for many years on Excela Westmoreland Hospital’s board of directors.
“Naming a road after Hutch is the least we can do to honor the great impact he made on our communities,” said Ward. “Our area will benefit from his contributions for years to come.”
Under Senate Bill 43, the designation covers the portion of Route 30 from North Greengate Road to East Pittsburgh Street in Hempfield Township.
CONTACT: Geri Sarfert gsarfert@pasen.gov (717-787-6063)