Legislature approves designation of 'Sergeant Devin Snyder Memorial Highway' in Steuben County to honor life, service of fallen soldier

Albany, N.Y.—The New York State Legislature has unanimously approved legislation sponsored by Senator Tom O’Mara (R-C, Big Flats) and Assemblyman Phil Palmesano (R-C, Corning) to designate a portion of I-390 in Steuben County as the “Sergeant Devin Snyder Memorial Highway.”

The designation honors the memory and pays tribute to the life and service of United States Army Sgt. Devin A. Snyder of Cohocton, Steuben County, who was killed on June 4, 2011 while serving in Afghanistan.

Sgt. Snyder was the first female soldier from western New York to die in the war.

The area lawmakers said that the portion of I-390 from Exit 2 in the town of Cohocton to Exit 3 in the town of Wayland will receive the designation. [Read more in the June 22nd Hornell Evening Tribune]

They sponsored the measure at the request of town officials, community residents and local veterans.

In a joint statement, O’Mara and Palmesano said, “Devin made the ultimate sacrifice while serving her country admirably and courageously, and we’re proud to help remember Devin and pay tribute to her life.  The designation of the ‘Sergeant Devin Snyder Memorial Highway’ is one more way that we can join the community of Cohocton and the residents of Steuben County and our entire region to forever honor Devin’s memory and express our enduring gratitude and respect for her service.”

Ed and Dineen Snyder, Devin’s parents, said, “We can’t express enough our appreciation to our friends and neighbors and all of the people of Cohocton and throughout the region for all of their support over the past year. The designation of this highway in Devin’s memory is an amazing honor, and we’re very thankful to all of the local residents and veterans, Supervisor Zigenfus, Congressman Reed, and Senator O’Mara and Assemblyman Palmesano for  this wonderful tribute to Devin and her service to our country.” 

Congressman Tom Reed (R-Corning) said, “I hope that this designation will remind people to reflect on the sacrifice made by Sgt. Snyder and all those who have fallen in defense of our way of life. We live in a free country today because of Devin Snyder and all the men and women who have given their lives for the freedom of others."

Cohocton Town Supervisor Jack Zigenfus said, “On behalf of the residents of Devin’s hometown of Cohocton, we welcome the designation of this portion of Interstate 390 as the “Sergeant Devin Snyder Memorial Highway.”  Devin gave her life for her country and this memorial couldn’t be more fitting since the northbound lane of I-390 is directly over the gravesite where Devin was laid to rest.  I know that Devin’s family and our entire community are grateful for this tribute in her honor.”

The legislation (S.7739/A.10726) now goes to Governor Andrew Cuomo to be signed into law.

Read more on Sgt. Devin Snyder, and watch the Senate's observation of a moment of silence for Devin here.