HARRISBURG – State Rep. Scott Conklin, D-Centre, said legislation that renames a portion of state Route 45 in Centre County as the Sgt. Adam Hartswick Interchange was signed into law.
Specifically, the renamed portion of state Route 45 in Pine Grove Mills would be from the intersection of state Route 26 to U.S Business Route 322 in Boalsburg.
“Very few times do we get to honor a hero,” Conklin said. “I am humbled by this opportunity to show Sergeant Hartswick and his family how much we appreciate his service.”
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. He 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.
“Sergeant Hartswick’s Centre County roots include his service as a volunteer with Centre LifeLink EMS. In 2009, he preserved a long-standing family tradition by enlisting in the U.S. Army,” Conklin said. “As a trained combat medic the lives of others come first. In doing so, he also saved his own.
This is a testament to what this young man is made of.”
While he was recovering in the hospital, Hartswick was promoted to sergeant by a three-star general.
Conklin added the Department of Transportation will be required to place signs at various locations identifying the designated section of the road as the Sgt. Adam Hartswick Interchange.
“This is the smallest token of appreciation but a large reminder for every passerby of what a true hero is,” Conklin said.