Senator Gipson Announces Bill to Designate Portion of State Route 9 as the Detective John M. Falcone Memorial Highway Passes Senate

For Immediate Release: May 12, 2014
Media Contact: Jonathan Heppner | 845.463.0840 | heppner@nysenate.gov

SENATOR GIPSON ANNOUNCES BILL TO DESIGNATE PORTION OF STATE ROUTE 9 AS THE DETECTIVE JOHN M. FALCONE MEMORIAL HIGHWAY PASSES SENATE

ALBANY, NY – New York State Senator Terry Gipson (D-Dutchess, Putnam) issued the following statement today after the State Senate passed S.6422, introduced by Senator Gipson and Senator Bill Larkin (R-C, Cornwall-on-Hudson). The legislation designates a portion of State Route 9 from the southern boundary of the City of Poughkeepsie to the northern boundary of the City of Poughkeepsie as the "Detective John M. Falcone Memorial Highway." Assemblyman Frank Skartados (D-Milton) has introduced the same-as legislation in the State Assembly. 

On February 18, 2011, Detective Falcone, an 18-year police veteran, lost his life in the line of duty while freeing a three-year-old girl from her armed father after he had killed his wife -- the young girl’s mother, Jessica Welch.

“This memorial highway should serve as a constant reminder of Detective Falcone's legacy of heroic service, inspiring courage, and commitment to justice in the City of Poughkeepsie. We must also be reminded of the mother, Jessica, who lost her life during this tragic incident, and those who continue to fall victim to the vicious cycle of domestic violence.

“In their memory, we must do all in our power as legislators and as a state to bring an end to domestic violence and continue to support our brave first responders who dedicate their lives to keeping our communities safe.

“I thank Senator Larkin for his partnership in moving this legislation forward and I look forward to it passing in the Assembly so that it may be signed into law.”