Ritchie Introduces Bill to Rename Bridge in Honor of Fallen City of Watertown Firefighter Peyton Morse

State Senator Patty Ritchie has introduced legislation to rename a bridge in the Town of Orleans in honor of fallen City of Watertown Firefighter Peyton Morse.  

Under Senator Ritchie’s bill (S.9135) the bridge on New York State Route 180, crossing the Chaumont River from the Town of Orleans Library to the La Fargeville Central School campus, would be renamed the “Firefighter Peyton L. S. Morse Memorial Bridge.” 

“Peyton Morse was a beloved member of his community who leaves behind a legacy of generosity and positivity that will long endure the passage of time,” said Senator Patty Ritchie. 

“While nothing can ever take his place, this legislation, which would name a bridge in his honor, will help ensure this special young man is never forgotten.” 

Born on May 3, 1999 in Watertown, Peyton Lane S. Morse graduated from La Fargeville Central School in 2017. He later earned a Bachelor’s Degree from Siena College, where he mentored students as a resident advisor, as well as served as a volunteer with the Shaker Road-Loudonville Fire Department during the time he was a student. Morse died tragically on March 3, 2021 following a training exercise at the New York State Academy of Fire Science in Montour Falls.  

Community service was a cornerstone of Peyton’s life, and he was involved in a number of local organizations that were close to his heart, including St. John the Evangelist in La Fargeville where he served as a communicant, Knights of Columbus, T.I. Council-350 and the Clayton Franciscan Mystery Players.  

He also served his community as a member of the La Fargeville Volunteer Fire Department, where at the time of his passing, he was Assistant Fire Chief. Peyton’s generous nature extended beyond his earthly life and by being an organ donor, he was able to save the lives of three people after his passing. 

A copy of Senator Ritchie’s legislation, which includes more on the life of Peyton Morse, can be viewed here.