BILL NUMBER:S6422

TITLE OF BILL:  An act to amend the highway law, in relation to
designating a portion of state route 9 in Dutchess county as the
"Detective John M. Falcone Memorial Highway"

PURPOSE:

To designate a portion of state route 9 from the southern boundary of
the City of Poughkeepsie to the northern boundary of the City of
Poughkeepsie as the "Detective John M. Falcone Memorial Highway."

SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:

Section 1 amends the highway law by adding a new section, 344-c in
order that a portion of state route 9 be designated as the "Detective
John M. Falcone Memorial Highway."

Section 2 directs the commissioner of the department of transportation
to provide for "Detective John M. Falcone Memorial Highway" signage
and provides that the name designation shall be one of a ceremonial
nature.

Section 3 provides the enacting clause.

JUSTIFICATION:
              

The purpose of this bill is to designate a portion of state route 9
from the southern boundary of the City of Poughkeepsie to the northern
boundary of the City of Poughkeepsie, as the "Detective John M.
Falcone Memorial Highway".

Detective Falcone was an eighteen year veteran of the City of
Poughkeepsie Police Department and served with distinction as he
devoted nearly half his life to protecting the people of the City of
Poughkeepsie. On Friday February 18, 2011, Detective Falcone
sacrificed his life while protecting the people of the City of
Poughkeepsie from an armed man. During the incident Detective Falcone
heroically saved the life of a three year old girl by wresting her
from the gun wielding assailant. During the struggle, Detective
Falcone was fatally shot in the head before the assailant was killed
by a self-inflicted gunshot during a struggle with another officer.
Detective Falcone was only 44 years old and left behind a grieving
family. His leadership and devotion to the police force was recognized
by his posthumous promotion to Detective by the Poughkeepsie City
Chief of Police.  Detective Falcone gave everything he had to the
department and the citizens of the City of Poughkeepsie and ultimately
made the supreme sacrifice. This memorial highway should serve as a
constant reminder of Detective Falcone's legacy of heroic service,
inspiring courage, and commitment to justice.

LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:

This is a new bill

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:


Minimal.

EFFECTIVE DATE:

This act shall take effect immediately.