Assemblyman Stirpe (D-Cicero) announced the Assembly passed legislation he sponsored that would designate a bridge on interstate 481 as the “Deputy Sheriff Glenn Searles Memorial Bridge.” This bill honors the life and legacy of an Onondaga County Sherriff’s Deputy tragically killed in the line of duty when he was struck by a passing car while assisting a stranded motorist on I-481 (A.7359).

“Throughout his lifetime, Deputy Searles remained steadfast in his dedication to protecting our families and keeping our communities safe,” said Assemblyman Stirpe. “With this bill, we honor the commitment of a man who proudly served his community and we remember his selfless actions which, sadly, led to his passing.”

In 2003, Deputy Searles was killed on State Route 481 while attempting to assist a stranded motorist during a snow storm. Searles was returning to his patrol car to retrieve flares when a minivan struck him. He was 31 years old at the time of his death.

Deputy Searles served with the Onondaga County Sheriff’s Department for two years and prior to becoming a sheriff, was an investigator with the county medical examiner’s office. He is one of two law enforcement officers whose death inspired New York State’s Ambrose-Searles Move Over Act. Enacted in 2010, the law requires drivers to slow down and move over from lanes occupied by emergency response vehicles to prevent collisions. The bridge to be named in Deputy Searles’ honor is located on I-481 between exits 5 and 6.

“Deputy Searles was both a devoted officer and a truly remarkable man,” said Peter Ruszczak, President of the Syracuse and Central New York Police Retirees Association. “This bridge will serve as a daily reminder of his bravery and heroism and allow his memory to live on.”

“Honoring Deputy Searles with this bridge represents a small act on behalf of New York State, but this memorial will serve a larger purpose – reminding us all to cherish the contributions of our law enforcement community and help keep them safe on our roads,” said Assemblyman Stirpe.