GEORGETOWN — A crash on Sunday night in Georgetown resulted in the toppling and damage of the Chad Spicer Memorial at Georgetown's Circle. The memorial pays tribute to Patrolman Chad Spicer, who lost his life in the line of duty in 2009. The incident has reignited a call for increased safety measures at the circle.
The memorial stone, bearing Spicer's image, could still be found on its side on Tuesday morning, surrounded by damaged grass and visible tire tracks. Georgetown Mayor Bill West attributes the incident to yet another case of drunk driving. Spicer, a patrolman, was fatally shot while responding to a call on September 1, 2009. His killer, Derrick Powell, is serving a life sentence without the possibility of parole.
Mayor West says it is a difficult sight,
"When you know what the family has been through, and you know how people feel about Chad, I just sat up here yesterday and looked at it and said dear lord, this should never happen."
Mayor West says a car came from North Bedford Street, failed to yield, and toppled into the circle also destroying a bench while making its way up to the brick of the fountain. The accident resulted in chipping and significant damage to the memorial, which will need to be fully replaced.
Mayor West affirmed that the driver would be held responsible for the replacement costs. However, the incident has also prompted officials to reevaluate traffic safety at the Georgetown Circle, discussions were held at last nights town council meeting.
While barriers have been in the process of being placed around the circle as a preliminary measure, Mayor West says they will continue to work on new ideas to ease traffic concerns.
"We talked about trying to find ways to slow people down. We've talked about putting up signage approaching the circle. We can do all the signage if we want, but unfortunately if people are drunk driving, no sign is gonna stop that," said West.
Charlie Coskey, from Chardon Jewelry directly across the accident scene, described the situation as disheartening and emphasized the need for improved traffic safety measures.
"They come very, very close to the building and will often just run into the sign at the crib. It's really spooky sometimes," said Coskey.
Coskey added he is not sure what can be done, but traffic issues are a constant sight.