Assemblyman Robert Smullen (R,C-Mohawk Valley and the Adirondacks) held a press conference at noon on Monday, March 3, 2025, at the Bellevue Woman’s Center to unveil a memorial sign dedicated to his late son, Alexander John “AJ” Smullen, who tragically passed away on March 6, 2024, in Albany at the age of 14 following a fierce fight in the Pediatric ICU after being hit by a car on Feb. 22, 2024. Smullen and his family were joined by other state legislators, local and state organizations as well as friends and residents from the surrounding community. Attendees and speakers included:

• Sen. Patricia Fahy;
• Major Christopher T. Gilroy, the New York State Police, Troop G Commander; and
• Chief Jordan Kochan of the Niskayuna Police Department.

At the sign unveiling, Smullen expressed his gratitude for the outpouring of care and support from so many New Yorkers united by one important mission: to improve traffic safety in Niskayuna and throughout the state.

“Seeing so many people here to help us honor and remember AJ warms our hearts,” said Smullen. “We are touched by the incredible support and are grateful for the opportunity to unveil this sign to not only memorialize AJ but also help remind every driver to pay attention, slow down and help save lives.”

Smullen and many residents and local groups from Niskayuna are now calling on the state to take immediate action to address traffic issues along New York Route 7—a notorious, accident-prone stretch of highway that not only took the life of Smullen’s son but also the life of another pedestrian on Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2025. The fatal crash occurred near the Bellevue Woman’s Center, just hours after Smullen held a press conference in Albany to introduce the “Alexander John Smullen Traffic Safety Memorial Law.” This piece of legislation will establish a program that allows family or friends the opportunity to purchase a sign to memorialize a victim or victims of fatal vehicle collisions and also help raise awareness about the serious, and often deadly, consequences of impaired, reckless or distracted driving.

To view a video of Assemblyman Robert Smullen speaking at the Memorial Sign Unveiling Ceremony, please click here.

“It is absolutely tragic to see yet another life lost along this particular stretch of roadway,” continued Smullen. “How many more lives must be taken on Route 7 before action is taken? How many near misses have occurred in the past few years? We cannot ignore the imminent need for improved traffic safety laws to keep both pedestrians and drivers safe. In honor of my son and all the other victims of fatal vehicle collisions in our state over the years, I will not rest until the dangerous conditions on these roadways are taken seriously and are corrected.

“I am calling on the New York State Department of Transportation commissioner to address the public’s concerns and take action immediately. Our memorial sign program is a great start, but further action is needed. Whether we install more traffic lights along New York Route 7, increase police presence or enforce stricter penalties for speeding, now is the time for change,” concluded Smullen.