Utah Driver License Office Unveils New Tribute Plaque
Salt Lake City - The Division of Motor Vehicles unveiled a new tribute plaque at their Fair Park driver's license location on May 26th in honor of the first donor. The plaque was created by artist Jacob Briggs and read "In Memory of our first donor" with an outline of a person for children to draw on. "The goal is that as we continue to give blood, it will be filled in," says DMV Public Relations Manager Jeff Wall.
The Division of Motor Vehicle's first donation came from 12-year-old Mason Johnson, who donated his time and 20 whole units of blood at the DMV office during the week of April 17th, 2017. Mason was accompanied by his mom, Stephanie, and his sister Ashlyn. The family has been through a lot in the past few years, including Mason taking regular chemo treatments for a liver disorder called Alagille Syndrome and losing their family dog.
After Mason's donation, Stephanie requested that the DMV pay tribute to her son's beautiful act of kindness by creating a permanent plaque to honor him. DMV officials John Sullivan and Mike Greenlee worked with Briggs to create a permanent fixture on the wall inside the Fair Park office.
The new artwork is also featured in Briggs' most recent art show entitled "Life", which opened May 26th at Robert Frew Art Gallery. Briggs has done several pieces with the DMV, including a mural at the Salt Lake City International Airport. "Mason is a true hero and inspiration to many of us," says Briggs. "I'd like to thank his mom Stephanie for honoring him this way."
The First Donor Tribute plaque was a gift from Utah State Member of Congress Chris Stewart to his Friend and colleague, Utah State Rep. Marc Roberts. This is my second Donor Tribute plaque to my Friend in the State House. It touched my heart to see this plaque with his signature, where I donated his beloved pup's blood on the day he passed away, and now I remember him every time see this plaque. To donate, don't hesitate to get in touch with your local DMV office today