North Lindenhurst, NY – On December 5^th, 2022, New York State Assembly Members Kimberly Jean-Pierre and Jodi Giglio and New York State Senator John Brooks joined members of the New York State Police and the Troopers Memorial Fund for a bridge renaming ceremony in honor of Trooper Martin J. Kerins. Trooper Kerins was a five-year member of the New York State Police assigned to Troop L who passed away on August 23^rd, 1938 following injuries he sustained while pursuing a speeder on Southern State Parkway. Trooper Kerins was survived by his wife and a week-old newborn, Martin J. Kerins, Jr., the latter of whom attended the ceremony along with family members including three of his children and one grandchild.

Assembly Member Jean-Pierre and Senator Brooks sponsored legislation (A.9081/S.8512) to designate the Wellwood Avenue overpass along Southern State Parkway in North Lindenhurst as the “Trooper Martin J. Kerins Memorial Bridge.” The legislation was signed into law by Governor Hochul earlier this year and was part of a collaborative effort spearheaded by Assembly Member Giglio to identify fallen New York State Troopers who passed away in the line of duty and to rename portions of New York State roads and bridges in their honor.

“Trooper Martin J. Kerins embodied what it means to serve and protect, and while we can never replace the void left by his passing, we can honor his memory by celebrating the life he lived and commemorating his name for future generations to learn and know,” said Assembly Member Jean-Pierre. “I would like to thank the New York State Police, the Troopers Memorial Fund and Assembly Member Jodi Giglio for spearheading this important initiative. I am honored to have sponsored this legislation and to have played a small role in paying proper tribute to Trooper Kerins and his loved ones, and I am thankful for all of our members of the New York State Police who put their lives on the line to serve and protect New Yorkers every single day.”

“We can never fully repay the debt owed when someone dedicates themselves to service and protection and loses their life in the line of that duty,” said Senator John Brooks. “As family and community, we seek to honor those sacrifices and remember the fallen, even if it takes a few generations. Eighty-six years ago, Trooper Kerins paid the ultimate price in his service of the public good and today I was very proud to stand with his family and descendants as we memorialized his service and sacrifice for generations to come.”

“This ceremony is part of a long-standing bipartisan mission, in collaboration with the Troopers Memorial Fund and our colleagues on both sides of the aisle, to honor our New York State Troopers who have given their life protecting the people of New York State,” said Assembly Member Giglio. “Our men and women in uniform serve faithfully in the face of grave danger, with many paying dearly for the safety and comfort we have come to take for granted. We are forever indebted to Trooper Martin Kerins, to the Troopers Memorial Fund, and to all our law enforcement professionals for their courage, contributions, and sacrifices.”

"It was an honor to be part of the overpass naming ceremony as a permanent reminder to the family that we truly never forget,” said Major Stephen J. Udice, State Police, Troop L Troop Commander. “Our sincerest gratitude goes out to Governor Kathy Hochul, Senator John Brooks, Assemblywoman Kimberly Jean-Pierre, Assemblywoman Jodi Giglio and the Troopers Memorial Fund for making this day possible."

The New York State Department of Transportation has installed two signs identifying the “Trooper Martin J. Kerins Memorial Bridge,” one each on the eastbound and westbound approaches to the Exit 35 Wellwood Avenue overpass along Southern State Parkway. Those interested in learning more about Trooper Kerins and other members of law enforcement who passed away in the line of duty are encouraged to visit the Officer Down Memorial Page at their Web site. Those interested in supporting the Troopers Memorial Fund can do so by visiting their Web site.