Mother attains month-long proclamation in honor of son killed in work zone

A local woman whose son was killed in a work zone recently made a big stride in encouraging safer driving, as Gov. Mike Braun has expanded work zone awareness to the full month of April.

Jo Fisher, joined by a handful of volunteers, could be found collecting donations at the intersection of Michigan and Jefferson streets Friday and Saturday for the Ben Fisher Memorial Foundation – named after her son who was hit and killed while performing his duties as a traffic control flagger on July 26, 2019, just one day after his birthday. The tragedy took place on State Road 13, just outside of Syracuse, where crews had been working for the last several weeks.

This was Jo's third year collecting donations for the foundation in downtown Plymouth, and her efforts were greatly rewarded in the form of a proclamation signed by the governor. The proclamation, recognizing April as Work Zone Awareness Month, was read aloud by Marshall County Council President Tim Harman, who was joined by Sheriff Matt Hassel.

Following the ceremony, Jo could be found, as in years past, giving out wristbands, keychains, coupons, yard signs and magnets – all in an effort to honor her son and spread awareness about work zone safety. 

"This is one of our major fundraisers," she said. "We are trying to get the awareness out for work zones and how important it is. We want everybody to be safe."

Jo added that advocating for safer driving in work zones is not only meant to better protect workers, but all motorists as well. 

"There are more drivers and passengers killed in work zones than there are workers. Ben just happens to be a statistic, unfortunately," she said. "I could tell you horrific stories that he would tell me or Nick would tell me about how I could have lost him a long time before I did."

Nick is another son of Jo's and was out collecting donations for the foundation. He also worked for Traffic Control Specialists, now doing business as High Star Traffic. They started with the company the same day and often rode together to work. 

Jo shared their stories of close calls, from being brushed by a semi-truck while flagging on a bridge to having to jump in the back of a truck to avoid being pinned by someone driving around barricades. 

"I thank God every day that I had him as long as I did," she said.

She referred to Ben as being a good mentor and mediator, noting he had helped save a co-worker's job the day before he was killed. That person remains with the company to this day, she added. 

While out at the intersection, Jo was approached by Chris Roye and Sage Pryor, who had heard Ben's story and offered to set up a motorcycle memorial ride in his honor. 

"This is amazing," she responded, exchanging information with the two men. "We have tried to do a memorial ride. We know a lot of people who ride."

Roye proposed a route taking riders to Ben's gravesite in Saint Michaels Cemetery in Plymouth to pay respects. 

Jo also noted the foundation's annual birthday memorial will take place July 26 this year at Price Memorial Park and feature a car show, vendors, food, games and trophies. 

Donations collected over the two days by the foundation will go toward advertising. 

"Last year we collected just around $5,000. That gave us three billboards for a year," Jo said, shooting for the same or more this year. "We're grateful for whatever happens, but didn't expect that."

Bad driving behaviors observed by those collecting donations served as a reminder for why their efforts are so important. 

"In just one minute, Nick saw four people on their phones coming through the intersection," Jo said, adding a couple of the vehicles were newer, likely equipped with hands-free calling technology. 

"Our big message is pay attention," she said, adding that everyone should be fully focused when behind the wheel. "You've got to watch everybody. You cannot just watch for yourself. Your head has to be on a swivel every time."

Jo hopes to one day have the opportunity to speak to those taking driver's education or defensive driving courses. In the meantime, she'll continue researching and lobbying for traffic safety laws. She also plans to reignite a campaign to have a mile of State Road 13 in Syracuse renamed the Ben Fisher Memorial Mile. 

"We want people to know why it's named Ben Fisher Memorial Mile, so they are more conscious of what they're doing," she said. "I don't wish this on anybody. I don't want any other parent to go through what I've gone through."