On October 11, 2018, Hanover County Fire-EMS experienced the tragic LODD of Lt. Brad Clark.
Over the past 2 and a half years since Brad’s death, Melanie has made it her life’s mission to carry on his legacy. She has left a career in dental administration behind to focus on highway safety awareness within the fire service, to change and enhance move over laws in Virginia and to raise awareness about the move over laws to its citizens and visitors.
She has gone from someone who would be described as quiet, especially compared to her VERY outspoken husband, to someone who cannot be silenced.
On any given day, you can find Melanie at the Virginia State House meeting with lawmakers in the House of Delegates and Senate, speaking in front of a group of public safety professionals at conference’s to include FDIC international, Texas Fire Chiefs, Drive Smart Virginia, Virginia Occupational Safety and Health annual conference to include a few.
She also works closely with the Tunnel To Towers Foundation, who came to her aid in the early days after Brad’s death.
Recently she launched a Move Over Va Facebook page that highlights the service of a firefighter, police officer, or tow truck operator weekly for Move Over Monday, to remind motorists the importance of Moving Over for all emergency personnel who work our dangerous roadways daily.
She has transformed herself, while simultaneously grieving the loss of her soulmate, rising to the challenge and clearly seeing God’s vision for her to press forward.