Designates a portion of the state highway system in the county of Ulster as the "Sergeant Shawn Michael Farrell II Memorial Highway"

1 Co-sponsor

• John J. Bonacic

BILL NUMBER:S7824

Title of bill

An act to amend the highway law, in relation to designating a portion of state route 44-55 in Ulster county as the "Sergeant Shawn Michael Farrell II Memorial Highway"

Purpose

This bill would honor the life and service of United States Army Sergeant Shawn Michael Farrell II, by designating a portion of New York State Route 44-55 in Gardiner, New York as the "Sergeant Shawn Farrell II Memorial Highway".

Summary of provisions

Section 1: Designates the portion of the highway system on New York state route 44-55 beginning at the intersection of New York state route 209 in Wawarsing and ending at the intersection of New York state route 299 in Gardiner as the "Sergeant Shawn Farrell II Memorial Highway".

Section 2: Instructs the commissioner of transportation to provide for the installation and maintenance of adequate signing of the state highway system as designated pursuant to this act.

Justification

Sergeant Shawn Michael Farrell II was a lifelong resident of the Hudson Valley and made the ultimate sacrifice of leaving his loved ones behind to serve his country as a soldier in the armed forces. Aspiring to become a member of the United States Army at a young age, Shawn enlisted in 2006 while still in high school, received training at Fort Benning and later Fort Drum and served two tours of duty in Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. During his 7 years of dedicated service Sergeant Farrell strived for excellence and was recognized for his patriotism and bravery with the following honors; the Army Commendation Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, two Afghanistan Campaign Medals, the NATO Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, the Noncommissioned Officers Professional Development Ribbon, the Overseas Service Ribbon, the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Expert Infantryman Badge, the Air Assault Badge, and the Purple Heart medal. While on a combat mission in the Kapisa province of Afghanistan with his unit, the 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division of Fort Drum New York on April 28 2014, Sergeant Farrell was tragically killed when enemy forces fired upon his unit.

This bill would provide meaningful and just recognition of this extraordinary individual who gave his life in defense of his country.

Legislative history

None

Fiscal implications

The cost of installation and maintenance of adequate signage to the New York State Department of Transportation.

Effective date

This act shall take effect immediately.