Albany, NY - July 25, 2013 - Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today signed four bills that will honor four law enforcement officers who gave their lives in service by renaming certain bridges and portions of the state highway system in their memory.

“These bills honor the memory of the four law enforcement officers, all of whom put their lives on the line to protect their communities and their neighbors,” Governor Cuomo said. “All who cross these bridges and travel these highways will be reminded of the service these officers provided to all New Yorkers. I commend the bill sponsors for their work and express my deepest sympathies to the families of these officers for their loss.”

 

“New York City Police Department Detective Peter Figoski Memorial Bridge” (Hamlet of West Babylon)

The Governor signed legislation designating the bridge on State Route 109 which crosses the Sunrise Highway in the Hamlet of West Babylon, Suffolk County, as the “New York City Police Department Detective Peter Figoski Memorial Bridge.” NYPD Detective Peter Figoski was a 22-year veteran of the NYPD and a resident of West Babylon, Suffolk County. On December 12, 2011, Officer Figoski and his partner answered a call for assistance at a robbery. He was fatally shot as he blocked the suspects’ only exit. Officer Figoski was posthumously promoted to Detective by the New York City Police Department and was awarded the department’s Medal of Honor.

 

Senator Phil Boyle said, “I thank Governor Cuomo for signing this important legislation to honor Detective Peter Figoski. Renaming this bridge for him will ensure that New Yorkers, for generations to come, will remember Detective Figoski's service, sacrifice, and heroism.”

 

Assemblyman Joseph Saladino said, “Our hearts go out to the family and friends of Detective Peter Figoski. With the help of Governor Cuomo and our colleagues in government, this dedication is a fitting tribute which will ensure that the memory of a remarkable hero will last forever.”

 

“Officer Thomas M. Lindsey Memorial Highway” (City of Utica)

The Governor signed legislation designating a portion of State Route 5a and State Route 5s in the City of Utica, Oneida County, as the “Officer Thomas M. Lindsey Memorial Highway.” Officer Lindsey was a five-year veteran of the Utica Police Department. On April 12, 2007 he was shot and killed during a traffic stop. Officer Lindsey’s devotion to the Utica Police Department is demonstrated by the several Certificates of Commendation he was awarded. He was also a proud member of the United States Marine Corps where he served his duty overseas as an Embassy Security Guard from 1993-1999.

 

Senator Joseph A. Griffo said, “We commend the Governor for helping our community honor Tom Lindsey. He made the ultimate sacrifice to help protect us and we want to make sure that his memory and life are ingrained into our history. Officer Lindsey will always be a hero to us.”

 

Assemblyman Anthony Brindisi said, “It is only appropriate that we honor Officer Lindsey for all he did for the citizens of Utica and Oneida County during his five years as a member of the Utica Police Department with this memorial designation. His courage and commitment to keeping our community safe will be remembered on a daily basis by the many people who regularly travel this road.”

 

“Police Officer Joseph P. Olivieri, Jr. Memorial Bridge” (Town of North Hempstead)

The Governor signed legislation designating the bridge on New Hyde Park Road, which crosses I-495 in the Town of North Hempstead, Nassau County, as the “Police Officer Joseph P. Olivieri, Jr. Memorial Bridge.” Officer Olivieri was a 15-year veteran of the Nassau County Police Department. Officer Olivieri was tragically struck and killed by another motorist while investigating a traffic accident involving an intoxicated driver on October 18, 2012.

 

Senator Jack Martins said, “Officer Olivieri will forever be remembered as a loving father and dedicated officer who was doing his duty to protect lives. This will serve as a reminder to others of the courage that our men in uniform show every day.”

 

Assemblywoman Michelle Schimel said, “Designating the New Hyde Park Road overpass as the Police Officer Joseph P. Olivieri, Jr. Memorial Bridge is but a small token of appreciation to Police Officer Olivieri and his family for the ultimate sacrifice he made on behalf of our community.”

 

“Correction Officer Gary L. Mitchetti, Jr. Memorial Bridge” (Town of East Fishkill)

The Governor signed legislation designating the bridge across the Taconic State Parkway on Hosner Mountain Road, in the Town of East Fishkill, Dutchess County, as the “Correction Officer Gary L. Mitchetti, Jr. Memorial Bridge.” Gary L. Mitchetti, Jr. died on August 20, 2005 when his motorcycle collided with a car crossing the Taconic State Parkway from Hosner Mountain Road. Correction Officer Mitchetti was a dedicated Correctional Officer who was awarded a New York State Correctional Services Medal of Merit and Valor, a Purple Heart from the New York Shields, and also a Medal of Valor from the North American Association of Wardens and Superintendents. Additionally, Correction Officer Mitchetti was a member of the Corrections Emergency Response Team.

 

Senator William Larkin said, “I want to thank the Governor for signing this legislation into law. Officer Gary L. Mitchetti, Jr. was a decorated Corrections Officer and served New York State honorably and with distinction. Renaming the Hosner Mountain Road Bridge over the Taconic State Parkway in honor of Officer Mitchetti is a wonderful way for us to memorialize his service and dedication to New York.”

 

Assemblyman Frank Skartados said, “Mr. Mitchetti, Jr.’s life was tragically cut short after he was struck on his motorcycle crossing the Taconic Parkway on Hosner Mountain Road. His tragic death, along with many other accidents at this intersection cast light on the need to eliminate this at-grade crossing. The late Officer Gary L. Mitchetti, Jr. exemplified true courage and dedication, serving our state with distinction as a corrections officer at Greenhaven Correctional. On September 27, 2000 without regards for his own safety, he acted quickly to rescue the life of Deputy Superintendent for Security Services, George S. Schneider during an inmate attack, and was seriously injured by a stab wound in the back of the head and skull. A pillar of his community, Mitchetti, Jr. had been awarded with the New York State Correctional Services Medal of Merit for Extraordinary Performance, as well as the New York Shields Purple Heart medal. The naming of this memorial bridge will serve as a timeless tribute to celebrate a man who embodied public service.”