Abingdon gives plans for funeral and traffic as Firefighter Craig is laid to rest Wednesday

Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin ordered flags at all state installations to be lowered to half staff on Wednesday in honor of Abingdon firefighter Cameron Craig who will be laid to rest in ceremonies in Glade Spring.

Craig, 20, was killed while on duty last week when the vehicle he was riding in crashed on the way to a service call.

The town of Abingdon released this statement in regards to Wednesday’s events:

The funeral service for Firefighter Cameron Craig will be held on Wednesday, October 25, 2023, at 12:00PM, at Highlands Fellowship Church (22417 Watauga Road, Abingdon) followed by the procession to Mount Rose Cemetery (10069 Crescent Road, Glade Spring.) The Town of Abingdon is dedicated to ensuring a dignified and respectful procession for Firefighter Craig. We understand that the funeral procession will greatly, but temporarily, affect traffic flow along the route, and we sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. We kindly ask for the public’s patience, understanding, and cooperation during this time. To minimize traffic disruptions, the Town has coordinated with local law enforcement agencies and Virginia Department of Transportation to provide traffic control along the route of the procession, as well as the I-81 corridor. For the safety of all involved, we kindly request that drivers yield the right of way of the procession, adhere to traffic rules, and refrain from attempting to overtake the vehicles participating in the funeral procession. The Town extends our gratitude to the community for their support and understanding during this time.

Here is the statement issued by VDOT’s Bristol District office on Wednesday’s plan:

Due to funeral proceedings for Abingdon Firefighter Cameron Craig, motorists in Abingdon and Washington County can anticipate significant delays Wednesday afternoon (October 25). The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) will temporarily close the Interstate 81 off ramps at exits 17, 19 and 29 at approximately 2 p.m. Wednesday to prevent traffic backing up onto the interstate as a long queue of fire apparatuses and passenger vehicles pass beneath I-81. The procession will travel from Highlands Fellowship onto Route 75, through the Town of Abingdon along Main Street/Route 11, to Route 91 and Mount Rose Cemetery in Glade Spring. Motorists should anticipate significant delays on Route 91 in the vicinity of Mount Rose Cemetery and are advised to avoid the area. The interstate off ramps will reopen once the procession passes the exit. Be alert to local law enforcement and VDOT personnel directing traffic.

(IMAGE: AFD VA)