We miss too many opportunities on the Eastern Shore to name roads, buildings, parks, and more after the deserving, honorable people among us. Some governments and organizations see the poignant appropriateness of it. Some don’t.
So when it happens, we should recognize the significance. We applaud the request by the Accomack County Board of Supervisors to name a section of road from Parksley to Bloxom after the late David R. Chew Jr.
Chew was 30 years old when a fire engine carrying him to an emergency call was involved in a crash on July 16, 2012. He was fatally injured in the crash.
Not only was Chew a volunteer with Bloxom’s fire company, he worked as an emergency medical technician with Northampton County.
In his early 20s, he felt the call to the ministry, working as a pastor first in Greenbackville and then in Hallwood at United Methodist churches.
That someone who gave so much was taken so quickly, and so young, stunned the community. Chew’s funeral at a nearby elementary school, with full firefighter honors, has become something of a legend because of its size.
Naming a road, structure, or park after someone doesn’t bring them back. But it shows our community the attributes we value.
Chew gave deeply of himself to help others — in the fire truck, ambulance, and pulpit. He was bighearted, softspoken, and a caring husband, father, and friend. It is exactly the type of person we should honor.
Let’s think of even more we can honor this way.
