Pictured (from left to right) Senator Dinniman; Carole Miller and Robert Miller, parents of Ryan and Robbie; Deanna Harrison, sister; and Robert Harrison, brother, following the bridge dedication ceremony, Sunday.
DOWNINGTOWN — More than 200 residents, fire fighters, emergency first responders, motorcyclists and friends and family of the late Robbie and Ryan Miller came out on Sunday to see a bridge on Route 322 named in their honor.
“Robbie and Ryan were a light that shined and continues to shine as an example of courage, commitment and community service in Chester County,” said state Sen. Andy Dinniman, who introduced the legislation dedicating the bridge.
Under Act 3 of 2015, the bridge on Route 322 crossing the East Branch of the Brandywine Creek in West Bradford and East Caln Townships was dedicated the “Ryan and Robbie Miller Memorial Bridge” in honor of the brothers who “were very well respected in their community for their courageous devotion to emergency response.”
The legislation, which unanimously passed the Pennsylvania General Assembly, was signed into law by Gov. Tom Wolf on May 13.
On Sunday, dozens came out for an emotional ceremony marking the official dedication of the bridge.
Jack Law III, who serves as Chief of West Bradford Fire Company and Interim Chief of Downingtown Fire Company, made some brief moving remarks recognizing the Miller brothers’ commitment to the fire service and their dedication to the larger Chester County community. He also reminded all motorcyclists and motorists to be safe on the road.
“Remember these men,” he said. “And I am also going to ask that you be safe.”
Deanna Harrison, sister of Robbie and Ryan, also made a poignant tribute to her late brothers and thanked all those who continue to serve and carry on their memory.
Lewis Nixon, a cousin of the Miller brothers, led the group in prayer before the sign designating the bridge was unveiled by their parents, Robert and Carole Miller.
Robbie and Ryan were both born on September 12 – Robbie in 1985 and Ryan in 1988. Both passed away in separate, tragic motorcycle accidents – Robbie on May 2, 2013 and Ryan July 19, 2014.
The Miller brothers were well respected in the community for their volunteerism and dedication to emergency response. Both served as volunteer fire fighters with various fire companies. Robbie belonged to West Bradford Fire Company where he served as Captain and Training Officer; Good Will Fire Company where he served as Trustee and Firefighter; and East Brandywine Fire Company where he served as Engineer. Ryan also served all three companies in the capacity of Firefighter.
The Millers come from a family of firefighters with their brother, Robert Harrison, serving with West Bradford Fire Company and Good Will Fire Company. Their father, Robert, has also volunteered in the fire service.
Each year, hundreds of motorcyclists hold an annual ride in memory of the Miller brothers.
“To lose two sons so tragically is unimaginable to most, but it is very real to the Miller family,” Dinniman said. “These two fine young men gave so much back to the community and continue to serve as both an inspiration and an example to so many. It is only fitting that this bridge will hold their name for posterity as a reminder of their lasting impact on our region and the ongoing courage and dedication of all members of our fire and emergency services.”
After the ceremony, their father Robert Miller, revealed that his sons were also connected to the bridge through their employment at Silvi Concrete in Downingtown, which actually supplied the concrete for its construction.
