Rodanthe – The heroic leader of the Pea
Island Life-Saving Station, who saved numerous lives off the shores of the Outer
Banks, was honored today with a new bridge named in his honor.
North Carolina Department of Transportation Secretary Jim Trogdon,
along with other state and local officials, dedicated the Captain Richard
Etheridge Bridge in a ceremony at the Rodanthe-Waves-Salvo Community
Building.
Etheridge was born a slave in 1842, but became the leader of the
Pea Island Life-Saving Station, an all African-American unit that was credited
with saving countless lives. The U.S. Coast Guard awarded Etheridge and his crew
the Gold Lifesaving Medal for a heroic rescue of those on board the E.S. Newman during a hurricane in 1896. A Coast Guard cutter is
also named in Etheridge’s honor.
“It’s fitting that, even though it’s been more than a century since
his most heroic moment, Captain Richard Ethridge will continue to play a role in
keeping people safe along this stretch of coastline,” said Trogdon.
The bridge, formerly known as the Pea Island Interim Bridge, was
completed last year to replace a temporary metal bridge constructed after
Hurricane Irene breached N.C. 12 in 2011.
“I cannot think of a more appropriate way to honor Captain Richard
Etheridge,” said Dare County Commission Chairman Robert Woodard. “I hope every
Outer Banks resident that crosses this bridge thinks about his legacy, and
shares his story with everyone in their vehicle.”