Senator Walczyk Announces Legislation to Name Part of Highway in Herkimer County, The War Dog Memorial Bridge

Senator Mark C. Walczyk (R,C-Watertown) is introducing legislation in the Senate to rename part of state highway 90, the War Dog Memorial Bridge (s3037). This bill, which has bi-partisan support in the Senate, will memorialize the life of two American heroes, Sergeant Adam Cann and his dog Bruno. Sergeant Cann died during his second tour in Iraq and was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart award. Bruno survived the suicide bomber attack and continued to serve our country by training many more war dogs. One of the dogs that Bruno trained was “Rex”, who is depicted in the 2017 war film, Meagan Leavy.

“This important legislation cements the legacy of our nation’s incredible war dogs in New York State. These canines are inspirational heroes that serve alongside our brave soldiers to protect this incredible country. These sacrifices cannot go unnoticed by New York State and this bridge renaming will go a long way to ensuring New Yorkers do not forget the price of freedom paid by the men, women, and dogs of the United States Military”, said Walczyk.

"The War Dog  Memorial is a great civic display of the relationship between people and animals. And there is no greater devotion than between a military member and their service dog,” said Assemblyman Robert Smullen (R,C-Mohawk Valley and the Adirondacks). “John Brezinski and his team have done a magnificent job in creating this memorial and we thank them for their service to the community in doing so."

“Herkimer County is pleased to support the ceremonial renaming of the NYS Thruway bridge located on I-90 that crosses over State Route 28 in the Village of Herkimer, County of Herkimer. The designation of this bridge as the ‘War Dog Memorial Bridge’ is of significance as it is located adjacent to the Guardians of Freedom Memorial currently under Construction,” said Herkimer County Chairman Vincent Bono. “The memorial will honor military working dogs and their armed forces handlers. There is no substitute for a military dog trained for explosive detection. The renaming of this bridge will accentuate the honor of those canines who selflessly contribute to the safety of our soldiers.”

 “This beautiful tribute to a remarkable story will be a wonderful addition to the village of Herkimer and the entire state of New York. The story of Sergeant Cann and Bruno has touched me personally, and this dedication to all military working dogs and their handlers will have a profound impact on many New Yorkers. I want to express my sincere gratitude to Senator Mark Walczyk and Assemblyman Robert Smullen for introducing this bill in the New York State Legislature as well as Senator Joe Griffo and Assemblyman Brian Miller for co-sponsoring,” said Herkimer County Legislator, John Brezinksi.