Commemorative names and memorial roadways provide a lasting way to honor important individuals, events, and features in Lacey. They reflect the people, values, and history that helped shape our community.
To request commemorative naming of City roadways and public facilities, community members or organizations must submit an application to our Communications Department through the link below. The City Council will have final approval of completed applications.
Naming Criteria
When reviewing commemorative naming requests, the City gives priority to the following:
- Geographic or commonly identified names
- Natural or geological features
- Significant historical events of cultural attributes
- Historical or cultural figures
- Outstanding individuals in the community
- Veterans or military units with exceptional service contributions
- Individual(s) who has made a significant land or financial contribution to the City
- Business or organization that has donated land or a facility or has assisted in financing a public facility
You can find more information about requirements and the approval process in the City Council Policies – Procedure Manual.
Approved Commemorative Names of Public Facilities and Memorial Roadways
Chief Steve Brooks Commemorative Roadway
On February 4, 2025, the City honored retired Lacey Fire District #3 Chief Steve Books with a commemorative roadway on Franz Street SE, between Pacific Ave SE and Lacey Blvd SE.
Chief Brooks retired on January 10, 2025. For 20 years, he provided exceptional service and leadership to the Lacey community, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to its safety and well-being.
Chief Brooks’ leadership strengthened the partnership between the Fire District and the City and set a lasting standard for effective interagency collaboration.
MSG Leslie Johnson Memorial Roadway
MSG Leslie Johnson Road, located on Golf Club Road SE between 3rd Av SE and 6th Ave SE, honors the late Master Sergeant (Ret.) Leslie “Les” Johnson. MSG Johnson enlisted in the Army at the age of 18 as a Combat Medic. He went on to serve bravely in World War II and the Korean War.
MSG Johnson received a Purple Heart and Bronze Star with Valor for his meritorious service. He also received presidential and congressional medals, citations, and commendations. Master Sergeant Johnson served in the Army for 24 years before retiring and making Lacey his home .
Master Sergeant Les Johnson exemplified courage, leadership, and lifelong service to his country and the Lacey community
Virgil S. Clarkson Senior Center
In 2015, Lacey Councilmembers unanimously supported a motion to rename the Lacey Senior Center to the Virgil S. Clarkson Senior Center in honor of the long-standing City official.
Virgil Clarkson, one of the longest-serving councilmembers in the City’s history, dedicated nearly two decades of service to the Lacey community. He made history as the City’s first Black mayor and served three terms as mayor and two terms as deputy mayor.
Virgil’s extensive career in public service also included serving on numerous boards and committees and donating countless hours to community organizations. His dedication to people and communities showed through his advocacy for seniors and people of color, and ensuring Lacey and its surrounding areas became better places to work, live, and play. Virgil played an instrumental role in securing funds for the construction of the Senior Center in 2003 and its expansion in 2011.
“Virgil was the ultimate standard-bearer for this community – a true leader through and through; his character, reputation, and the life he led set the highest bar for leaders in our community to exemplify,” stated Mayor Andy Ryder. “He helped shape Lacey and the surrounding communities at a pivotal time. His profound legacy will live on in our community for many generations to come.”
