Bridge In West Seneca To Be Named After Fallen NYS Trooper

Yesterday, New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo announced that the bridge near Thruway exit 54 that crosses over Rt. 16 in West Seneca will be renamed after a New York State Trooper who was passed away in March from injuries he sustained while on duty in 2017.

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The bridge will now be known as the 'Trooper Joseph Gallagher Memorial Bridge' after Trooper Gallagher who lost his life while he was struck by a car while he was helping out a disabled motorist in Long Island.

At the time of the incident, Trooper Gallagher had been a trooper for only three years. During the presentation, Cuomo said that Trooper Gallagher's commitment to helping New Yorkers will always be remembered.

"His passing early this spring is yet another reminder of the selfless actions our state police and other first responders perform daily. We pay homage to Trooper Gallagher's life and ultimate sacrifice by designating this bridge in his honor."

Trooper Gallagher was a Buffalo native who attended Bishop Timon-St. Jude High School was only 38 years old at the time of his death. The 23-year-old driver who struck Trooper Gallagher was texting at the time of the accident and pleaded guilty to third-degree assault and was sentenced to 30-days in jail.

Before joining the New York State Troopers Troop L in Long Island,  Trooper Gallagher was a helicopter pilot for the United States National Guard.

Tropper Gallagher is survived by his wife, two children, parents, a sister, and two brothers.

The Governor also used the proclamation to reminder New Yorkers to not text and drive and that distracted driving is dangerous driving.