August 17, 2015
By Stephanie West
Albany, NY – Governor Andrew M. Cuomo has signed legislation to rename several bridges and portions of the state highway system in honor of three New York law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty.
“These exceptional law enforcement professionals paid the ultimate price while working to protect their neighbors and their communities,” Governor Cuomo said. “This legislation memorializes their service and will ensure their sacrifice and commitment will always be remembered.”
Police Officer Arthur Lopez Memorial Bridge: A portion of the highway system on the Cross Island Parkway, New York Route 907-A, between Exits 26 and 27 in Nassau and Queens Counties will be renamed the “Police Officer Arthur Lopez Memorial Bridge” (S.4836-A/A.6611-A). Police Officer Lopez was a nine-year veteran of the Nassau County Police Department who served with distinction. While working in the department’s Emergency Services Unit, the 29-year old officer was shot and killed on Oct. 23, 2012.
A portion of the highway system on New York State Route 481 between Exits 5 and 6 in the town of Dewitt, Onondaga County, will be renamed the “Deputy Sheriff Glenn Searles Memorial Bridge” (S.5335-A/A.7359-A). Deputy Sheriff Searles was struck and killed by a vehicle on I-481 in 2003 while attempting to assist a stranded motorist in a snowstorm.
Trooper Christopher G. Skinner Memorial Bridge: The northbound and southbound bridges on Interstate 81 crossing U.S. Route 11 at Exit 7 in the town of Chenango, Broome County, will be renamed the “Trooper Christopher G. Skinner Memorial Bridge” (S.3468-A/A.5239-A). Trooper Skinner was intentionally struck and killed on May 29, 2014 while issuing a traffic ticket on Interstate 81 between Exits 6 and 7 in Chenango. He was assigned to the New York State Police Traffic Incident Management detail, which was created to ensure the safety of construction workers and motorists in highway work zones in New York State.
