Brad Bradley Retires

Date: January 26, 2010
Contact: Chris Case, 906-387-2607, ext. 209

NPS photo by John Ochman

Brad Bradley receives Legacy Award from Chris Case

After more than 30 years of federal government service, Brad P. Bradley retired on January 2, 2010.

Brad began his career with the National Park Service at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore as a seasonal Motor Vehicle Operator in May 1980, and became a permanent employee later that year. Through his work years, Brad received several promotions and retired as an Engineering Equipment Operator.

Pictured Rocks was fortunate to have benefitted from Brad’s work throughout his entire career, plus he served his country in the military.

Shortly after Brad began work at the lakeshore, a new General Management Plan was approved and visitor facility development was underway in earnest. Brad’s maintenance skills can be seen in nearly every park facility. The lakeshore’s three drive-in campgrounds were re-developed, and parking areas constructed or improved at every day use area.

Brad was instrumental in construction of the Sand Point Marsh Trail, Miners Falls Trail, North Country Trail, and cross-country ski trails. Brad graded roads, maintained trails, installed road and trail signs, and built stairways and overlook platforms. He was a wildlife fire fighter for most of his career and served on fire crews both locally and on Western details.

In the wintertime, Brad was the primary snowplow operator and assisted with ski trail grooming including equipment fabrication.

With a deserved reputation for getting the job done, Brad groomed the Munising ski trails on his last work day when the temperature was in the single digits and the winter wind fierce.

Feted at a retirement party on January 23, Brad spoke eloquently about his decades at the lakeshore. Brad is the longest serving employee to retire in the park’s history. He was honored with the newly-initiated Legacy Award in recognition of career achievement with Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.

In retirement, Brad and his wife Teri plan to continue their involvement with their church, spend more time with their children and grandchildren, and travel this beautiful country in their motor home. Best wishes, Brad and Teri!