Senator Fred Akshar and Assemblyman Clifford Crouch join local officials to dedicate the David H. Newman, Sr. Memorial Bridge in Hancock

HANCOCK, NY - On Tuesday Senator Fred Akshar, Assemblyman Clifford Crouch and representatives of the NYS Department of Transportation (DOT) joined local officials, family and community members to dedicate the David H. Newman Sr. Memorial Bridge in the Town of Hancock. 

A third generation self-employed logger, Newman was dedicated to his community and served in many capacities as Manager and Coach of the Hale Eddy Small Fry Football League, a member and trustee of the Hancock Baptist Church, and served as Town Councilman for the Town of Hancock from 1979 until his tragic death in 1987. In September of 2016, the Town of Hancock passed a resolution requesting the bridge be renamed in Newman's honor. Senator Akshar and Assemblyman Crouch then introduced and passed the legislation in 2017 to effect the change. 

Senator Fred Akshar said, “It is my absolute honor to help pay tribute to David Newman, Sr., who, by the incredible turnout in support of this dedication, was clearly well loved and respected in the Town of Hancock. It's our custom in the Legislature to pay tribute to the citizens of the State of New York whose life work and civic endeavors serve to enhance the quality of life in their communities and the great State of New York. From the amount of support that the Newman family has today, it's clear to me that David truly deserves this honor. It's my hope that this dedication brings the Newman family and friends comfort and reminds them of David every time they pass this bridge.

Assemblyman Clifford Crouch said, “It's an honor to recognize David Newman, a man who lived the words most of us are taught: Get a job, work hard, care for your community, love your family and always give back. He certainly loved his family and left a strong legacy in this community. I'm sure his family will continue to carry on that legacy of service and devotion for a long time.” 

Town of Hancock Supervisor Sam Rowe said, "I would like to thank Senator Akshar and Assemblyman Crouch for sponsoring the legislation to dedicate this bridge. Dave Newman represented everything Hancock is about.  He placed community service above himself - service to his church,  his family, and his community. To know that his grandchildren will one day be able to bring their children to this memorial is about the greatest feeling one can have. When I was young you didn't have to look to the TV for role models, we had people like Dave."