Firefighter Peyton L.S. Morse Memorial Highway Legislation Passes Senate

Senator Mark Walczyk is proud to announce that his bill, S4707A has passed the Senate. This bill will designate the entirety of State Route 180 in the hamlet of La Fargeville as the “Firefighter Peyton L.S. Morse Memorial Highway. 

Mr. Morse was a model citizen and a beloved member of his community. A man so devoted to the fire service, he worked his way up to be the Assistant Chief of the La Fargeville volunteer fire department.  He began his dream job in 2021 as a firefighter for the City of Watertown. Tragically, under the supervision of instructors from the New York State Academy of Fire Science in Montour Falls, Mr. Morse began not breathing during a training exercise. He passed away at a nearby hospital days later. Even in death, Mr. Morse continued to serve as his organ donations went on to save the lives of three people.

“Peyton Morse should still be here on this earth continuing to serve our community and do the things he loved. Although we cannot bring him back home to us, we can ensure that his legacy is never forgotten. This highway dedication will serve as a constant reminder of the amazing firefighter, community member, fiancé, son, and friend that was Peyton Morse and I’m proud to be a part of it”

“The Morse Family would like to say thank you to all those who participated in the development of the ‘FireFighter Peyton Morse Memorial Highway’.  Our Family and local communities appreciate the honor and acknowledgment of the sacrifice that Peyton gave,” said Stacy Morse, Mother of Peyton Morse.  “The death of Peyton for our family and community may never completely heal, but the passing of this bill recognizes the impact that one person can make and that he mattered.  We would like to thank retired Senator Ritchie, Senator Walczyk, and Assemblyman Gray for honoring Peyton in his hometown. He would be so humbled by this honor.”