Yesterday, the City of Tiffin gathered with the community to rename the Ella Street Bridge as the Rich Focht Bridge—a tribute to a man whose impact on this community will endure for generations.
Originally constructed in 1914 and replaced in 2023 through a $4 million project, the bridge has long been a vital connection across the Sandusky River. It’s especially fitting that it now bears Rich’s name—he served as the foreman on this project for Focht Brothers Construction when much of the bridge’s decking was rebuilt in the early 1980s.
Rich Focht’s contributions extended far beyond construction. As a U.S. Army veteran, City Administrator, and President and CEO of the Tiffin Area Chamber of Commerce and SIEDC (now TSEP), he laid the foundation for much of the city’s economic development. Under his leadership, the creation of Northstar and Eagle Rock Industrial Parks brought businesses like Taiho and American Fine Sinter to the area, and his efforts helped preserve historic landmarks like the Shawhan Hotel…