Carmel Hamlet, NY – New York State Senator Pete Harckham and Assemblymember Matt Slater announced today that their legislation dedicating a section of State Route 301 here in honor of the late John K. McArdle has been signed into law by Governor Kathy Hochul.

McArdle, a former lieutenant in the New York Police Department (NYPD), oversaw the rescue and recovery operations at Ground Zero after the 9/11 terrorist attacks as part of the NYPD’s Emergency Services Unit.

Harckham and Slater’s bill (S.7362A / A. 7864), introduced earlier this year and passed in the State Legislature in June, designates the portion of Route 301 between Belden Road and Gipsy Trail Road as the “John F. McArdle Memorial Highway.” Now enacted, the new law is effective immediately.

“John McArdle was a pillar of the Carmel community, and his lifelong commitment to public service was evident in all he did,” said Harckham. “From his distinguished career with the NYPD to his tireless advocacy for 9/11 responders and retired first responders, he brought professionalism, tireless energy and deep compassion to his every effort. I’m grateful to my colleague Assemblymember Slater for his partnership in making this tribute possible and thank Governor Hochul for signing our legislation into law.”

“Having been on-scene on Ground Zero, John McArdle’s bill being signed into law during this time of remembrance for all 9/11 heroes and those we lost is a deeply fitting tribute,” said Slater. “John was selfless, endlessly compassionate and strong in his values—an example we should all strive to uphold. I’m grateful to Sen. Harckham for his partnership in carrying this legislation and to Governor Hochul for signing it, ensuring John’s legacy will live on in our community.”

McArdle served as a NYPD lieutenant and Emergency Services Unit (ESU) leader. A veteran of the Bronx Task Force, Tactical Apprehension Team and Federal Emergency Management Agency’s New York Task Force 1, McArdle returned to duty on Sept. 11, 2001 and was appointed on-scene coordinator for ESU’s Search, Rescue and Recovery operations at Ground Zero. His heroism and leadership earned him the NYPD Honor Legion Medal of Valor, among numerous other commendations.

In retirement, McArdle continued to serve his fellow officers and first responders through extensive volunteer work, including his role as vice president of the Stephen P. Driscoll Memorial Lodge #704 and his involvement in HEART 9/11 and the Cops 4 Cops program. 

Barbara McArdle, widow of John McArdle, said, “I am so excited that the legislation for John’s roadway dedication and memorial sign is being signed by the Governor. This news comes during a difficult week, and it lifts my spirits to know that the sacrifices of 9/11 will not be forgotten. Next spring seems so far off, but the excitement for dedicating John’s sign will hopefully make the winter seem gentler and faster. Also, since I have another grandchild expected next month, they will be there to join us in the celebration for ‘Papa.’”

Carmel Town Supervisor Mike Cazzari said, “John McArdle dedicated his life to public service and protecting others. After 9/11, he came out of retirement to help oversee the rescue efforts at Ground Zero, and over the years he spearheaded efforts to help prepare New York for future emergencies. Honoring his memory and legacy with this highway dedication is certainly warranted, and I appreciate the efforts of our state legislators and Governor Harckham in making this happen.”

Kent Highway Superintendent Richard Othmer said, “The timing of this bill signing is both appropriate and soul-stirring, with the McArdle family receiving the news just before the anniversary of 9/11, almost as if John himself gave his blessing from above. Having known John and his family for many years, I can say without hesitation that his devotion to others will never be forgotten. I also want to thank Assemblyman Slater and Senator Harckham for their work in making this memorial possible.”