The Road Commission for Oakland County (RCOC) today, Tuesday, Nov. 25, officially named its Southfield Highway Maintenance garage the Cedric L. Jones Garage in honor of the late road worker killed July 23 while working on Orchard Lake Road in Farmington Hills.
Jones worked out of the Southfield garage. He was killed when a car crossed the Orchard Lake Road median and struck three RCOC workers in a properly marked work zone.
Also at the ceremony today, RCOC dedicated at tree at the garage to employees Robert Dinkins and George Thomas, who were both seriously injured in the incident.
“It’s an honor to be part of the effort to preserve the memory of our colleague, Cedric Jones,” stated RCOC Managing Director Dennis Kolar, “and to recognize the sacrifices that our co-workers George and Robert have both made.”
A plaque was erected in the garage naming the building for Jones. The plaque reads, “This facility is named in honor of Cedric L. Jones, who served with unwavering dedication, professionalism and heart. He tragically lost his life in the line of duty while working to keep our roads safe.”
The plaque also notes that Jones’ sacrifice will never be forgotten. “His legacy lives on,” the plaque reads, “in every mile maintained, every roadway made safer and in the hearts of those who knew and worked beside him.”
A plaque was also placed at the tree planted in honor of Dinkins and Thomas. The plaque reads, “This tree is planted as a living tribute to Robert Dinkins and George Thomas, who suffered severe injuries in a work zone crash while faithfully serving the residents of Oakland County…May this tree stand tall and strong, a symbol of resilience, courage and enduring service.”
Kolar was joined at the dedication ceremony by RCOC Board Chair members Eric McPherson and RCOC Board Member Tylene Henry.
“Naming the building in honor of Cedric will not bring him back,” added RCOC Board Chairman McPherson. “But, I hope, in a small way, it will help to preserve his memory and the outstanding service he performed for the community.”
McPherson also thanked Dinkins and Thomas. “I’d like to thank Robert and George,” he said. “You paid a high price for serving the community, and I am very appreciative.”
Both Kolar and McPherson thanked garage Superintendent Gary Flounory for going above and beyond the call of duty during and after the tragic crash on July 23, staying in close contact with the Jones, Dinkins and Thomas families and supporting the rest of the staff at the garage, while making sure that critical work continued to get done. For his part, Flounory praised the garage staff, noting they remained professional throughout the ordeal while also supporting one another.
