HARRISBURG – State Rep. Scott Conklin, D-Centre, has said the House of Representatives unanimously passed his legislation that would rename a section of Route 45 in Centre County as the Sgt. Adam Hartswick Interchange.
Specifically, the renamed portion of SR 45 in Pine Grove Mills would be from the intersection of SR 26 to U.S Route 322 in Boalsburg.
While deployed in Afghanistan, Hartswick, who is a State College graduate, rushed to the scene of an explosion that killed four U.S. service members and was critically injured after stepping on an improvised explosive device. Hartswick lost both of his legs after stepping on an IED after aiding a wounded soldier in the incident to which he was responding.
“To say it’s an honor is an understatement,” Conklin said. “Sergeant Hartswick acted in bravery and selflessness and this renaming would serve as a forever reminder of his commitment to his community and country.”
Conklin added Hartswick began his career in service as a volunteer with Centre LifeLink EMS and preserved a long-standing family tradition by enlisting in the U.S. Army after he graduated in 2009.
While he was recovering in the hospital, Hartswick was promoted to sergeant by a three-star general.
Upon enactment, the state Department of Transportation would be required to place signs at specific locations identifying the road as the Sgt. Adam Hartswick Interchange. The bill now moves to the Senate for consideration.