New York – Governor Kathy Hochul has signed Senator Toby Ann Stavisky and Assemblyman Jeffrion Aubry’s legislation to rename the 94^th Street bridge over the Grand Central Parkway in East Elmhurst in honor of Port Authority Police Officer Pavlos D. Pallas who passed away twelve years ago at the age of 34. Officer Pallas developed cancer after carrying out search and recovery efforts at the World Trade Center in the wake of the 9/11 attacks.

“I thank Governor Hochul for signing this legislation on 9 /11 as a tribute to those who lost their lives as a result of the attack on our nation,” says Senator Toby Ann Stavisky. “Officer Pallas deserves to be honored for his selfless service and sacrifice. It will be known as ‘the Port Authority Police Officer Pavlos D. Pallas Memorial Bridge.’ Naming the bridge in his memory will serve as a constant reminder of Officer Pallas and all the brave men and women who sacrificed their lives to save others in the face of an indescribable act of terror. We are all indebted to these heroes.”

“Pavlos (Paul) Pallas’ legacy will live on with the newly designated ‘Port Authority Police Officer Pavlos D. Pallas Memorial Bridge,’” says Assemblymember Jeffrion Aubry. “Paul passed away from cancer in 2011, at the age of 34. He developed his illness following his assignment to the search and recovery efforts at the World Trade Center site following the 9/11 Terrorist Attacks. It is my honor to have helped make this recognition a reality.”

"This new law and signage will help memorialize Port Authority Police Officer Pavlos D. Pallas and his heroism by renaming a portion of the state highway in his honor," says Assemblywoman Nily Rozic. "Today, and every day, we recognize and remember those who lost their lives both on 9/11 and in its wake. I thank Governor Kathy Hochul for signing this legislation expeditiously and my Queens colleagues for getting this done.”

“Officer Pallas represents the very best of our agency and our nation, and this bridge renaming is a fitting tribute to honor his extraordinary bravery,” says Port Authority Chief Security Officer Greg Ehrie. “The Port Authority is grateful for the commitment of Governor Hochul, Senator Stavisky, and Assemblyman Aubry in ensuring that Officer Pallas’ heroism will never be forgotten.”

“We would like to briefly pause on this solemn day, to remember Paul, his dedication to our agency, our union, and the countless civilians who were impacted by his sacrifice,” says Frank Conti, President, Port Authority Police Benevolent Association, Inc. “Paul will forever live on, in our hearts and minds. This legislation will ensure that millions of commuters that utilize and will utilize LaGuardia Airport will know the importance of Paul’s sacrifices.”