Seward Calls For State Highway To Be Named For Sergeant Farrell

ONEONTA, 06/13/14 – A portion of New York State Route 44/55 in Ulster County will be renamed in honor of United States Army Sergeant Shawn Michael Farrell II through legislation introduced in Albany this week.  The bill (S.7824) sponsored by Senator James L. Seward is expected to come to the senate floor for a vote prior to the scheduled end of the current legislative session on June 19, 2014. 

“Every man and woman who dons a United States military uniform sacrifices for our nation and our way of life,” said Senator Seward.  “Sergeant Farrell made the ultimate sacrifice and we owe it to him and his family to keep his memory alive.” 

Sgt. Shawn M. Farrell II, 24, of Accord, New York, died April 28, in Nejrab District, Kapisa province, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained when enemy forces attacked his unit with small arms fire.  He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light), Fort Drum, New York.

Once the legislation is approved, the portion of New York State Route 44/55 from the intersection of New York State Route 209 in Wawarsing to the intersection of New York State Route 299 in Gardiner will be designated  “Sergeant Shawn Farrell II Memorial Highway” and signage will be posted.

“Sergeant Farrell displayed unwavering allegiance to his country and his fellow soldiers.  He was a true American hero, and I am extremely proud and humbled to swiftly shepherd this bill through the legislature,” Seward concluded.

Senator Seward posthumously awarded Sergeant Farrell with the state senate’s Liberty Medal, the highest honor bestowed by the New York State Senate, in recognition of his sacrifice and service to his country.  Senator Seward also sponsored a special senate resolution (J.4858) in tribute to Sergeant Farrell.

Companion legislation (A.10084) sponsored by Assemblyman Cahill has been introduced in the state assembly.

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