The Route 231 Bridge over the Southern State Parkway in North Babylon will be renamed in honor of fallen September 11, 2001 responder Port Authority Detective Thomas M. Inman following the signing of legislation sponsored by state Sen. Monica R. Martinez and Assemblyman Michael Durso by Gov. Kathy Hochul.  The bill passed both houses of the state legislature earlier this year.  The legislation dedicating the bridge was signed on the 24th anniversary of the attacks.

Detective Inman was a Vietnam veteran and a decorated member of the Port Authority Police Department, where he served for more than three decades.  In the aftermath of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, he worked 15 months at Ground Zero and in the morgue, helping to recover remains and bring closure to grieving families.  He later developed cancer tied to his work at the Ground Zero site and died in 2020.

The legislation dedicating the bridge was signed on the 24th anniversary of the attacks and is the second 9/11-related bill sponsored by Sen. Martinez to be signed by the governor today.  Earlier, Gov. Hochul also signed legislation to extend accidental disability retirement benefits to the family of Suffolk County Deputy Sheriff Richard Stueber, a 9/11 first responder who participated in World Trade Center rescue, recovery and cleanup operations.

“Port Authority Detective Thomas M. Inman’s life was defined by his service to our nation, his neighbors, and all New Yorkers,” Sen. Martinez said.  “That service ultimately claimed his life due to cancer linked to his work at Ground Zero following the September 11th attacks.  Today, his legacy stands as a tribute to his strength, courage, and compassion during those darkest days and I thank Gov. Hochul for signing this legislation to ensure Detective Inman’s name and sacrifice are forever remembered.”

“Detective Thomas M. Inman’s career was defined by bravery, dedication, and unwavering service to our community,” said Assemblyman Michael Durso. “Let this dedication ensure his legacy of service may never be forgotten.”

According to Leonard Marone, President of the Port Authority Detectives Endowment Association,“This dedication ensures that Detective Inman's heroism will never be forgotten.  His actions exemplify the sacrifice and strength of our law enforcement community.”

Detective Inman served in the U.S. Army at age 17 before joining the Port Authority Police Department, where he rose to the rank of detective.  He retired in 2003 after 32 years of service. He is survived by his wife Diane, his partner of 50 years, as well as nieces, nephews, extended family, friends, and former colleagues.

The September 11 attacks killed nearly 3,000 people, including 72 law enforcement officers and 343 members of the New York City Fire Department.  Thousands more first responders later suffered illnesses caused by exposure to toxic debris at Ground Zero.

A dedication ceremony for the “Port Authority Detective Thomas M. Inman Memorial Bridge” will be held at a later date, in conjunction with the installation of signage by the New York State Department of Transportation.