It’s official.
“It is with great pride and honor that I announce Brad Fritz as the Grand Marshal of our 50th Fort Mitchell Independence Day Parade,” said Fort Mitchell Mayor Greg Pohlgeers. “This year’s celebration is especially meaningful as it coincides with the 250th anniversary of the United States of America. It is only fitting that we recognize someone who truly represents the spirit of both our parade and our country.”
The theme for this year’s parade — Amber “Waves” of Grain — is a perfect fit for the beloved former resident of Fort Mitchell who lived on Sunnymede Drive and Cambridge Drive and attended Blessed Sacrament School and St. Pius.
Now a resident of Crestview Hills, Fritz, affectionately known as “Champ” or even the “Wheelchair Waver,” has continued to wave and blow kisses to passersby from his wheelchair as they drive down Turkeyfoot Road. He’s especially excited about having the opportunity to wave to everyone in the crowd on July 4th.
“It’s one of the greatest honors of my life,” said Fritz. “I grew up in Fort Mitchell and went to the parade every year, so it’s an unbelievable feeling to be able to be part of the parade in the city that gave me so many great years.”
Fritz was involved in an accident and suffered life-threatening injuries on July 8 of last year after an impaired driver hit him with his pickup while he was crossing Turkeyfoot Road in his motorized wheelchair. Thanks to the doctors and nurses at St. Elizabeth Healthcare and UC Medical Center, as well as support from his family and friends, he made a full recovery.
Fritz was originally hurt in a drunk-driving crash in 1999 at the age of 15 when he was a varsity football player at Covington Catholic High School, confining him to a wheelchair. The accident left Fritz with a traumatic brain injury, and he spent three months in a coma. Due to the accident Fritz was held back a year (his class graduated in 2002) and he attended Dixie Heights High School, graduating in 2003. He also received an honorary diploma from Covington Catholic.
Fritz graduated from Thomas More College in 2008 and went on to become a public speaker and advocacy against drunk-driving, teaching teens about making good choices and preventing injuries — something he still does to this day.
“Brad is the embodiment of perseverance. While he has faced his share of challenges, he has never allowed them to define him. Instead, he has transformed adversity into inspiration, setting a powerful example of resilience, determination, and positivity for our entire community,” said Pohlgeers.
Fritz’s parents are Don and Peggy. He has three siblings – Don, Mickey, and Jamie. His aid, Presley, is also his best friend.
“I wouldn’t be able to live a normal life without her. She’s amazing,” said Fritz.
Today is extra special for “Champ,” who is celebrating his 42nd birthday. For more information about Brad Fritz and his story, go to www.bradfritz.org or follow him on Facebook. And of course, don’t forget to come wave at him at the 4th of July parade.
“Like I said, this is one of the biggest honors of my life. I couldn’t have asked for a better place to grow up than Fort Mitchell and I wouldn’t trade it for the world,” said Fritz. “The people are what makes this city what it is. Thank you to everyone for everything.”
The Fort Mitchell Independence Day Parade kicks off Saturday, July 4 at 12:30 .p.m, beginning at the DCCH Center Fairgrounds/Easterseals Redwood and ending at Beechwood Schools. Dixie Highway along the parade route closes at 11:45 a.m.. Registration for the parade is open at fortmitchell.com.
City of Fort Mitchell