Senator Kathy Marchione & Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner announce passage of bipartisan legislation establishing “NYS Trooper Timothy Pratt Memorial Bridge” on I-87 to commemorate the life and service of New York State Trooper Timothy Pratt
June 13, 2017
For Release: Tuesday, June 13, 2017
Albany, NY – Senator Kathy Marchione (R,C,I,Reform-Halfmoon), Chair of the Senate’s Local Government Committee, and Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner (D-Round Lake), jointly announced today’s passage in both houses of their bipartisan legislation establishing the “New York State Trooper Timothy Pratt Memorial Bridge” in honor of New York State Trooper Timothy Pratt. Trooper Pratt, a 55-year-old resident of South Glens Falls and beloved member of his community, tragically died in the line of duty following an automobile incident on October 26, 2016.
The bipartisan legislation sponsored by Senator Marchione (Senate Bill S.4662) and Assemblywoman Woerner (Assembly Bill A.6496) amends the State Highway Law to designate the Ballard Road Overpass Bridge on 1-87 as the New York State Trooper Timothy Pratt Memorial Bridge. The bipartisan legislation also specifies that the State Commissioner of Transportation will install and maintain ceremonial signage designating the bridge. The legislation, introduced at the request of Trooper Pratt’s colleagues in the New York State Police, passed both houses – 63-0 in the Senate, and 97-1 in the Assembly, respectively – during today’s legislative session. Governor Cuomo will now receive the measures as they passed both houses of the state Legislature.
Trooper Pratt was a 1979 graduate of South Glens Falls High School and, following his graduation, joined the United States Air Force, faithfully serving for seven years before his honorable discharge in 1986. Timothy Pratt began his lifelong career as a Trooper with the New York State Police on March 30, 1987. A proud, 30-year veteran of the State Police, Trooper Pratt spent his entire career in Troop G, which includes the Capital Region. He worked in the Traffic Incident Management Unit at the State Police Station in Wilton since 2008.
Trooper Pratt was a member of the elite State Police Motorcycle Unit, where he led the 9/11 Memorial Motorcycle Ride from Albany to New York City. Trooper Pratt was also a member of the American Legion Post 574, and participated in many volunteer events and charitable causes. Among his volunteer work was the annual South Glens Falls Marathon Dance, as an alumnus and a member of the school’s very first Marathon Dance. Trooper Pratt was a role model, friend and an inspiration to his fellow law enforcement officers.
“Trooper Timothy Pratt was a dedicated, honorable public servant who put his community first. He is a true hero who was beloved by the community and always went above, and beyond, the call of duty to make a positive difference, every single day. The Empire State continues to mourn the loss of this great man, this courageous member of law enforcement. I was proud to sponsor the Senate bill establishing the New York State Trooper Timothy Pratt Memorial Bridge to help recognize Trooper Pratt’s faithful service to his community and the people of New York State. We will never forget everything that Trooper Pratt did to make our state a safer, better place for everyone,” Senator Marchione said.
“Trooper Timothy Pratt lost his life doing what he so selflessly did throughout his career – helping others,” said Woerner. “As an Air Force veteran and a dedicated member of the State Police, Trooper Pratt showed immense commitment to keeping our communities safe. This dedication is a fitting tribute to his longstanding heroism.”
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