Bates Bridge

Above, the sign that will be placed on Airport Road above Interstate 64 in honor of fallen Virginia State Trooper Berke M.M. Bates is presented at a Nov. 2 ceremony held at Kentwood Heights Baptist Church. Several law enforcement officers, dignitaries, and supports came out in support of the trooper who passed away on Aug. 12, 2017 along with Lieutenant H. Jay Cullen while on helicopter patrol in Albermarle County. Below, Amanda Bates, the wife of the belated trooper, delivers a positive message by saying, “Though people will see signs like this one we will unveil today, his name will be synonymous with honesty, dedication, gratitude, hard work, love, and most of all, loyalty.”

Robb Johnson photos