Designates a portion of the state highway system as the Sgt. Michael J. Esposito Jr. Memorial Bridge

BILL NUMBER:S6582A

Title of bill

An act to amend the highway law, in relation to the Sgt. Michael J. Esposito Jr. Memorial Bridge

Purpose or general idea of bill

The purpose of this bill is to memorialize the bridge on Washington Avenue, which crosses over the Long Island Expressway, as the "Sgt. Michael J. Esposito Jr. Memorial Bridge".

Summary of specific provisions

Section one of the bill adds a new section 343-cc to the Highway Law, which provides that a portion of the state highway system will be designated as the "Sgt. Michael J. Esposito Jr. Memorial Bridge".

Section two provides that the commissioner of transportation shall provide further installation and maintenance of adequate signage of the state highway system as designated by section one of this act.

Section three sets an immediate effective date.

Justification

The purpose of this bill is to designate the Washington Avenue bridge overpass, crossing over the Long Island Expressway, in the hamlet of Brentwood, town of Islip, County of Suffolk, as the "Michael J. Esposito Jr. Memorial Bridge". Sgt. Esposito grew up in Brentwood and resided on Walton Street, off of Washington Avenue. He attended Brentwood High School and participated in the Air Force ROTC program. He was also a junior police cadet with the Suffolk County Police Department. Michael enlisted in the Armed Forces immediately following High School. He was deployed with the U.S. Army 2nd and 5th Cavalry for Operation Desert Spring, Kuwait in 2000. After completing his term with the U.S. Army in 2001, Michael reenlisted as a result of the terrorist attacks and was assigned to the 2nd Battalion 22nd Infantry Regiment of the 10th Mountain Division. Michael was promoted to Sergeant after only 11 months, and was then assigned to the Alpha Company Squadron where Michael was deployed to Kandahar, Afghanistan for Operation Enduring Freedom. Michael was a well respected and very well liked soldier and leader in his company. In September 2003, he fought in Seyro Ghar valley where he volunteered to take the lead in the battle.

Michael often reflected on that day and was extremely proud of his efforts and actions. He always asked to be on the front line, and put his men's welfare above his own.

On March 18, 2004, Sgt. Michael J. Esposito Jr., distinguished himself in combat again, against anti-coalition militants. Michael led from the front, as his company searched a suspected anti-coalition compound in the village of Miam Do. After clearing the first three rooms, Michael noticed a door to an adjoining room, that the company had not seen upon entering. Disregarding his own safety, again in the front of his team, he moved towards the door in order to breach it. When he moved in front of the door, anti-coalition militants engaged him with

rifle fire and he was mortally wounded. After Sgt. Esposito was mortally wounded, his men kept fighting, and the compound was secured. His heroism and bravery, while leading his team under direct fire, served as an inspiration to his peers and subordinates. Sgt. Esposito's actions contributed significantly to the success of his unit in the War on Terror. Michael's courage, heroism, leadership and selfless dedication to duty, at the cost of his life, represent the finest traditions of the American soldier.

Prior legislative history

None.

Fiscal implications

None.

Effective date

This act shall take effect immediately.