Legislature approves O’Mara-Palmesano legislation designating the ‘Trooper Nicholas F. Clark Memorial Bridge’: Measure pays tribute to life and service of fallen local State Trooper

Bath, N.Y., June 25—The Senate and Assembly have approved legislation sponsored by Senator Tom O’Mara (R,C,I-Big Flats) and Assemblyman Phil Palmesano (R,C,I-Corning) designating a portion of I-86 in Steuben County as the “Trooper Nicholas F. Clark Memorial Bridge.”

The legislation (S5484/A7577) now goes to Governor Andrew Cuomo to be signed into law.  If approved, the bridges on I-86 where the highway crosses State Route 415 will receive the designation.  That section of the highway is located less than a half mile north of the State Police Barracks (Troop E, Zone 3) in Bath, where Clark was stationed at the time of his death.

Clark, a native of Canisteo, was killed in the line of duty last July during a confrontation in the town of Erwin.  He was 29 years old and had been a New York State Trooper for three years.

The O’Mara-Palmesano legislation honors Clark’s memory, and pays tribute to his life and service.
 
In a joint statement, O’Mara and Palmesano said, "We will look forward to Governor Cuomo signing this legislation into law and to an official designation ceremony in the future.  We hope that this action will serve as a fitting tribute recalling the life, service and ultimate sacrifice of one of our local heroes.  We hope that it will help express the enduring respect of our local community, our entire region, and the State of New York.  The ‘Trooper Nicholas F. Clark Memorial Bridge’ will forever honor Nick’s memory and forever stand as a reminder of his service."
 
Clark was born and raised in the Canisteo Valley.  He graduated from Canisteo-Greenwood High School in 2006 and from Alfred University in 2011.  A stellar athlete, he was a New York State high school wrestling champion, and a four-year starter and All-Conference outside linebacker for the Alfred Saxons, where he set school records in tackles and earned a tryout with the Buffalo Bills.
 
He graduated from the State Police Academy in 2015 and was stationed in Ithaca and Auburn before transferring to the Bath barracks.
 
He is survived by his mother (Theresa), father (Anthony), and brother (Nathan).