After three decades of collecting the bridge toll from travelers, a familiar face to people who drive across the Mackinac Bridge is calling it a career.
Rep. Neil Friske presented local Northern Michigan hero Pat Rickley with a tribute on Saturday after it had been announced that Rickley was retiring after 30 years of service with the Mackinac Bridge Authority.
As a toll collector, Rickley has been a beloved icon of the bridge and is well known to all those who frequently cross, Friske's office said in a news release.
Before working at the bridge, the St. Ignace native served honorably in the 1st Infantry Division of the United States Army, a division affectionately dubbed The Big Red One ever since the First World War.
Rickley spent four years on active duty and four years in the reserves before being discharged from the military.
“Pat dedicated 30 years to not just collecting tolls but bringing joy and humor to the thousands of travelers across the bridge,” Friske said.
“Thank you for 30 years, Pat, and I wish you blessings in your retirement!”
