Focht to be honored at bridge dedication

TIFFIN—The Ella Street Bridge will be dedicated as the Rich Focht Bridge later this month, in honor of his commitment to the Tiffin community. According to a press release, the City of Tiffin, in partnership with the Seneca Regional Chamber of Commerce, will host a renaming ceremony Oct. 23 to dedicate the bridge to Focht and invites the community to join the event. "This dedication ceremony is not only a celebration of the bridge's transformation but also a tribute to Rich Focht's contributions to the community," the release states. City Administrator Nick Dutro said the bridge is symbolic of Focht's impact on local development. "He connected this community," Dutro said. Focht, who passed away in March 2024, is remembered for his service on Tiffin City Council, SIEDC, the Chamber of Commerce, as Tiffin City Administrator and for his significant involvement in numerous local projects. Dutro said Focht's roots with the Ella Street bridge run deep, as he not only was involved in the recent reconstruction project, but his former construction company, Focht Brothers Construction, was part of the bridge's 1979 rehabilitation. According to the press release, the Ella Street bridge was built in 1914 and rehabilitated in 1979. Approximately 4,000 vehicles use the "vital thoroughfare" daily. Bryce Riggs, executive director of the Seneca Regional Chamber of Commerce, said Focht's legacy also includes "connecting people with resources" and mindful fiscal policy that benefitted the community. "He was a champion of Tiffin," Riggs said. Focht's financial responsibility is reflected in the successful project management of the bridge's construction, Dutro said. Careful coordination between the City of Tiffin engineering department and other entities ensured the project was fully funded through the Roads and Bridge Levy and grant money, without an additional burden on taxpayers, he said. The cost of the bridge replacement was just over $4,000,000, Dutro said. Dutro said Mike Kerschner, former Seneca County commissioner, was one of the "biggest spearheads" in the renaming effort. "He and Rich were very close," he said. The dedication ceremony will take place rain or shine at 4 p.m. Oct. 23, with local leaders and Focht's family members in attendance. Riggs said the event is an opportunity to "look back and reflect," and envision ways to "live the life that Rich lead." "By renaming the bridge in his honor," the press release states, "the City of Tiffin recognizes Rich's efforts to connect and uplift the community." "The Rich Focht Bridge will stand as a lasting reminder of his legacy and the positive impact he made on the lives of Tiffin residents," it states. In the release, Mayor Lee Wilkinson said, "Rich Foch's contributions to Tiffin's development and success are immeasurable." "His leadership helped shape the community we all know and love today," Wilkinson said in the release. Bridget Boyle, Tiffin City Council president, has fond memories of Focht and his impact on her life. When Boyle first became part of city council, Focht was serving as president, she said. "He really shepherded and mentored me," Boyle said. His leadership was critical to "my motivation and drive to be council president," she said. Dedicating the Ella Street Bridge to Hocht, she said, is "an amazing way to honor him." "Rich was a kind and amazing person," Boyle said. "I can't think of enough positive things to say about him."