Claysburg Bridge Named for Fallen PennDOT Worker

Family and friends of Bryan "Chipper" Chamberlain gathered at the Claysburg Volunteer Fire Company on Thursday morning, Oct. 6, to help dedicate the Dunnings Highway Bridge over Pine Run in his honor.

Chamberlain, a 2006 graduate of Claysburg-Kimmel High School, was killed in 2018, at the age of 30, in a work zone accident. Chamberlain was working for PennDOT at a site along Juniata Road, Frankstown Township, when he became trapped beneath a piece of heavy equipment machinery.

According to reports, Chamberlain was a passenger on the machinery when it popped out of gear and began rolling backwards. The driver of the machine was able to jump off before it rolled over an embankment, but Chamberlain was thrown from the machine and crushed between the machine and a tree.

Now, thanks to the efforts of state Rep. Jim Gregory (R-80th), Chamberlain has been permanently memorialized and his name will be remembered. During his remarks dedicating the bridge, Gregory called for the need for OSHA compliance changes for municipal entities, including PennDOT.

"It will mean that Bryan's passing was not in vain," Gregory said. "We will be able to change how public sector workers are protected on the job and that they will not have to go through a bridge dedication."

Mickey Sgro, retired director of Council 83 American Federation of State and Municipal Employees (AFSME), said he is trying to start a non-profit foundation in Chamberlain's name that will help families or workers killed on duty.

"Today I am announcing that I am going to Pittsburgh to try to start a foundation in Chipper's name," Sgro said. "We are going to do something that has needed to be done for years."

Sgro said too often, families of fallen workers are forgotten and left to deal with the aftermath on their own.

"Too many children lose a mother and a father – the first thing they do is turn to the easy way out, which is drugs and violence," Sgro said. "We are going to try to get to those kids and get them the help that everyone needs."

Sgro said the foundation won't ease the pain of losing Chamberlain, but positive change can come of it.

"Whenever something bad happens like this, turn it around and make it something good," Sgro said. "I know it's hard, but together we are going to get this done."

Turning to Chamberlain's father Gary, Sgro said the sign on the bridge, and the foundation, will ensure people remember his son.

"Gary, we are going to make sure that your son's name is not forgotten," Sgro said.

Chamberlain's mother, Linda, said the memorial serves as a reminder of how well-liked their son was.

"It means a lot," said Linda. "He had a lot of friends in this community."