State Sen. David J. Arnold Jr. made many contributions as a public servant to his beloved Lebanon County, local community, and the state of Pennsylvania during his lifetime.
A former Lebanon County district attorney and state senator, Arnold died at age 49 after a battle with brain cancer.
Read More: State Senator Dave Arnold dies from brain cancer at age 49
On Wednesday, Jan. 29, his contributions to his county and state were memorialized when the State Route 72 bridge over Swatara Creek in Frog’s Hollow, Swatara Township, was named the Sen. David J. Arnold Jr. Memorial Bridge.
Arnold’s wife Alicia spoke about his contributions during a brief dedication ceremony on a bright and sunny but extremely windy day in the parking lot of Offroad Motorsports, which sits near the bridge.
“To say that we were proud of Dave is an understatement. I think this community meant everything to him,” said Alicia. “He grew up here. He played a lot of softball here. I see lots of his friends in the crowd. He coached his daughter here. He got into some trouble, I’m sure, here in Lebanon County.”
That latter comment elicited laughter from the crowd, many of whom were his family, friends and colleagues from state and local government and law enforcement community. Some of the assembled guests included Lebanon County detectives who worked for Arnold when he was the county’s district attorney, uniformed Lebanon City police officers, Lebanon County Commissioners and county row officers, among others.
“Years later, he wanted to do more and he felt that calling to do more. He kept me here, a Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, girl here in Lebanon County. I never went back home as my dad still says,” said Alicia. “So Dave is rooted all through this community and we’re so proud of that. I think his legacy lives on in so many of us. Seeing his colleagues from the Senate is amazing. He thought so highly of all of you and how you all embraced him during the hardest battle of his life and embraced (daughter) Reese and I.”
Community roots ran deep for Arnold. His wife said his friends and co-workers became a second family to him.
“I see family and loved ones, friends that have turned into loved ones, those people that knocked on doors with us, did mailings with us,” Alicia said. “It’s been a journey, but I think this bridge is a great way to encapsulate Dave. I think he would have been blown away. He wouldn’t have believed there’s a bridge named after him. But I think it’s a great way to honor his roots in this community. So I’d really like to thank you for this.”
A bridge dedication in his honor is poignant given his wanderlust.
“I thought about the different ways Dave likes to travel around the county, whether it be by motorcycle, whether it be in his Ford 150 truck,” said Alicia. “So I would encourage you, any way you get over this bridge, running, biking, whatever, just give him a thumbs up, smoke a cigar if you like to, whatever. I think that’s the best way to remember Dave, is just anytime you cross this bridge, think of him, think of a memory, think of a case you fought next to him on.”
As if by divine intervention, a lone runner heading north crossed the newly named bridge immediately after Alicia’s comment. She then took a moment to address those who serve in law enforcement.
“Brothers and sisters in law enforcement, there was no greater love he had than for his work in law enforcement,” said Alicia. “And certainly to our daughter, his biggest legacy is here with us who may follow in his footsteps. So watch out, law enforcement. But thank you again. Thank you to Senator Gebhard and his team who all are very close to my heart.”
Sen. Chris Gebhard (R-48) authored the legislative language that received unanimous support to make the designation possible. He was master of ceremonies for the dedication service.
“Dave was a guy that truly just wanted to make his community a better place for everyone. I think that’s why he was so driven to become the district attorney and then ultimately the state senator,” said Gebhard. “When we first started discussing doing something like this in his honor, this new bridge, it just seemed to make perfect sense for a lot of reasons.”
Gebhard noted the symbolism between Arnold’s life and the highway that crosses that bridge. PennDOT completed renovations to the Route 72 bridge late last year.
“Route 72 is the main artery that flows through this county and it connects it to the outside world – and that’s exactly how many of you have described Dave,” said Gebhard. “He was a leader and he was the lifeblood of the county courthouse. He was a tireless advocate for victims and was especially focused on protecting children.”
Gebhard highlighted Arnold’s work as a senator on behalf of all Pennsylvania’s children.
“The first bill he passed into law was to increase penalties on child pornography offenses,” he said. “We also had the honor of continuing his effort to honor Max Schollenberger by securing grant funding to build an inclusive playground at the school. I know I will think of Dave every time I drive over this bridge and see the signs that list his name.”
Plans for the Max’s Place playground were first announced in March 2022, made possible with $100,000 in state appropriations secured by Arnold and Gebhard. It opened at Annville Elementary School in mid-October 2022 as an enduring memorial to Schollenberger, who was robbed of his life as a 12-year-old boy.
Prior to Alicia’s remarks, a commemorative sign that reads “Senator David J Arnold Jr Memorial Bridge” was presented to Alicia and Reese. Two duplicate signs have been erected in the berm along both sides of the bridge.
Rep. John Schlegel (R-101) also presented a citation to the Arnolds.
Before being elected to the Senate in 2019, Dave served as district attorney for Lebanon County for 14 years. He was a member of Gov. Tom Corbett’s elder abuse task force and served as president of the Pennsylvania District Attorneys Association.
Jake Corman, past Senate president pro tempore, offered comments on behalf of his colleague in the Senate. Also in attendance at the gathering from the state Legislature were Rep. Russ Diamond (R-102) and state Sen. David Argall of Schuylkill County, whom Gebhard noted was Arnold’s best friend in the Senate.
“Dave came to the Senate during a very difficult time,” said Corman, “and he brought, you know, dignity and respect and stability back to the Senate seat when he got there. Even though his time in our caucus was short, it was impactful.”
Corman said he hopes the bridge serves as an inspiration to others to enter public service.
“I hope when people come by here and see Dave’s name that if they didn’t know Dave, they find out a little bit about Dave, but more that it inspires them,” said Corman. “Hopefully it inspires them to be a public servant because Lord knows we need great people in public service, and Dave was one of the best.”
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