Governor Cuomo Signs Legislation Designating a Portion of the State Highway System in Westchester County as the "NYPD Det. Tsgt. Joseph G. Lemm Memorial Bridge"

Statement

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today signed legislation (S4588A/A6332A) naming a portion of the State Highway system in Westchester County in honor of NYPD Detective and Technical Sergeant Joseph G. Lemm for his heroic service to New York and the American people. This measure designates a bridge crossing over Interstate 287, intersecting with Westchester Avenue in the Town of Harrison as the "NYPD Det. TSgt. Joseph G. Lemm Memorial Bridge".

"Joseph G. Lemm honorably served his state and country both as an NYPD Detective and as a member of the U.S. Air Force," Governor Cuomo said. "I am proud to designate this bridge in Technical Sergeant Lemm's honor to commemorate his life of public service and recognize the ultimate sacrifice he made while serving our nation in Afghanistan."

In 2015 before Christmas, Technical Sergeant Joseph G. Lemm was killed in the line of duty in Afghanistan when his convoy was attacked by a suicide bomber. A 15-year NYPD veteran, he was serving in the U.S. Air Force after having been activated from the Air Force Reserves and New York Air National Guard. He was serving his third tour of duty overseas - two in Afghanistan and one in Iraq.

NYPD Det./TSgt Joseph G. Lemm was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star for valor by his commanding officers for putting himself in front of the bomber to protect his fellow soldiers. This bridge dedication will commemorate his sacrifice and the strong civic bond that he had for his hometown in West Harrison, New York and his country.

Senator Shelley Mayer said, "I am extremely pleased that we could designate a portion of Interstate 287 in honor of Technical Sergeant Joseph G. Lemm, a NYPD Detective, a member of the U.S. Air Force, and a West Harrison resident. While serving our nation in Afghanistan, he and his family paid the ultimate price, and we honor his commitment and sacrifice."

Assembly Member David Buchwald said, "The legislation signed today honors an American hero and reminds us of his sacrifice, and that of all our men and women in uniform who are committed to protecting our freedom and security. The bridge dedication will commemorate Det./TSgt. Lemm's commitment and the strong civic bond that he had for West Harrison, the people of New York, and his country."

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