Murphy's laws: Governor signs bills to honor Hudson Valley service members killed in action

ALBANY, NY - Earlier today Governor Andrew M. Cuomo signed legislation sponsored by New York State Senator Terrence Murphy which would rename portions of the state highway system and a bridge in honor of two Hudson Valley service members who died in the service of their nation.

"I can think of no greater honor for my first bills to be signed by the Governor than those which pay tribute to the courage and sacrifice of two Hudson Valley heroes," Senator Murphy said. "Both Specialist David Fahey of Yorktown, and Marine Captain Eric Jones of Pound Ridge, paid the ultimate sacrifice while defending our great nation and state. This fourth of July we should make a point to remember the brave men and women serving overseas who remind us that freedom isn't free and we are blessed to have these courageous individuals defending our way of life."

"These exceptional New Yorkers answered the call and paid the ultimate price in the service of our nation and the values it was founded upon," Governor Cuomo said. "As we approach Independence Day, I am proud to sign these legislative bills into law to honor the memory of these extraordinary soldiers and ensure that their commitment and sacrifice will not be forgotten." 

A bridge on State Route 129 that crosses the New Croton Reservoir in the Town of Yorktown, Westchester County will be renamed the "Specialist David R. Fahey Jr. Memorial Bridge" (A.6613/S4495). Specialist Fahey, of Yorktown Heights, was deployed on combat operations to Afghanistan in 2010. On February 28, 2011, Specialist Fahey was killed by an improvised explosive device in Kandahar Province while serving with the 504th Military Police Battalion of the 42nd Military Police Brigade. The bridge is less than three miles from Specialist Fahey's childhood home.

Assemblyman Steve Katz said, "This is a long awaited and much deserved tribute to one of Yorktown's finest young men who gave the ultimate sacrifice for his country."

A portion of State Route 137 in the Town of Pound Ridge, Westchester County will be renamed "Marine Captain Eric A. Jones Memorial Highway" (S.3820-A/A.7405). Captain Jones, of Pound Ridge, was a helicopter pilot killed in the line of duty on October 26, 2009 during a helicopter collision in Afghanistan. He was on his third deployment after serving two tours in Iraq. The portion renamed begins at the intersection of Westchester Avenue and State Route 137, continues in a generally southerly direction and terminates at the New York and Connecticut state boundary.

Assemblyman David Buchwald said, "Growing up in Pound Ridge and at Fox Lane High School, Eric A. Jones always displayed an ambitious spirit. His willingness to help others was manifest when he became a Marine Captain and a pilot, and was with him the day he made the ultimate sacrifice. Captain Jones' proud and honorable service to his hometown of Pound Ridge and our country, having fought for freedom in both Iraq and Afghanistan, should be memorialized. The designation of State Route 137 in memory of Captain Jones is a small, but meaningful gesture that will remind the people of New York State of the patriotism and valor showed by our young local hero."

Dedication ceremonies are being planned for this fall.