Thursday, August 13, 2015

Cuomo Signs Bill to Honor Law Enforcement Officers Killed in the Line of Duty


Governor Andrew Cuomo today signed legislation to rename several bridges and portions of the state highway system in honor of three New York law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty.

“These exceptional law enforcement professionals paid the ultimate price while working to protect their neighbors and their communities,” Governor Cuomo said. “This legislation memorializes their service and will ensure their sacrifice and commitment will always be remembered.”

Police Officer Arthur Lopez Memorial Bridge: A portion of the highway system on the Cross Island Parkway, New York Route 907-A, between Exits 26 and 27 in Nassau and Queens Counties will be renamed the “Police Officer Arthur Lopez Memorial Bridge” (S.4836-A/A.6611-A). Police Officer Lopez was a nine-year veteran of the Nassau County Police Department who served with distinction. While working in the department’s Emergency Services Unit, the 29-year old officer was shot and killed on Oct. 23, 2012 by the subject of an investigation.

Senator Jack M. Martins said, “Heroes like Arthur Lopez, who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty, must never be forgotten. This is a fitting tribute that will help ensure he is always remembered by the communities he gave his life to protect. I thank my colleagues in the legislature and Governor Cuomo for working together to honor Officer Lopez' heroism and service to the residents of Nassau County.”

Assemblywoman Michelle Solages said, "Police Officer Arthur Lopez was a rising star in the Nassau County Police Department. I applaud Governor Cuomo for signing this bill that will establish a permanent memorial to a young man that made the ultimate sacrifice. This memorial will serve as a constant reminder to all New Yorkers of his heroism and valor as he gave his life to serve and protect the community." 

Deputy Sheriff Glenn Searles Memorial Bridge: A portion of the highway system on New York State Route 481 between Exits 5 and 6 in the town of Dewitt, Onondaga County, will be renamed the “Deputy Sheriff Glenn Searles Memorial Bridge” (S.5335-A/A.7359-A). Deputy Sheriff Searles was struck and killed by a vehicle on I-481 in 2003 while attempting to assist a stranded motorist in a snowstorm. Searles had served as an investigator with the Onondaga County Medical Examiner’s Office before reaching his goal of becoming a deputy sheriff.

Senator David Valesky said, “Deputy Sheriff Searles lost his life while simply trying to help a citizen in distress,” Sen. Valesky said. “By designating a portion of I-481 as the ‘Deputy Sheriff Glenn Searles Memorial Bridge,’ his life of public service will be honored and remembered in a public way.”

Assemblyman Al Stirpe said, “Deputy Searles devoted his career and his life to keeping the citizens of Onondaga County safe from harm. Unfortunately, these selfless actions ultimately led to his passing. We are forever grateful for his devotion to public safety. This bridge will serve as a daily reminder of his bravery and heroism and ensure his service to our community will not be forgotten.”

Trooper Christopher G. Skinner Memorial Bridge: The northbound and southbound bridges on Interstate 81 crossing U.S. Route 11 at Exit 7 in the town of Chenango, Broome County, will be renamed the “Trooper Christopher G. Skinner Memorial Bridge” (S.3468-A/A.5239-A). Trooper Skinner was intentionally struck and killed on May 29, 2014 while issuing a traffic ticket on Interstate 81 between Exits 6 and 7 in Chenango. He was assigned to the New York State Police Traffic Incident Management detail, which was created to ensure the safety of construction workers and motorists in highway work zones in New York State.

Assemblyman Clifford W. Crouch said, "I want to thank the governor for signing this bill and recognizing one of our fallen law enforcement officers. The fact is, law enforcement is out there every day risking their lives, making sure that the public is safe. We are talking about people’s lives, and the death of any family member has a lasting impact. This legislation is but a small token of appreciation and gratitude that we can show to honor and remember Trooper Skinner, and also to thank him for his dedication and service in keeping our state, communities, and families safer.”

Governor Signs Bill Prohibiting Smoking Near After-School Programs 

Governor Cuomo also signed legislation to protect children across New York State from exposure to second-hand smoke. The bill prohibits individuals from smoking near schools while after-school programs are in operation.

“This commonsense measure will help protect children from the dangerous effects of second-hand smoke and complements ongoing efforts that have resulted in smoking in New York hitting an all-time low," Governor Cuomo said. “I thank the sponsors for their efforts to make this a stronger and healthier New York."

This bill (S.993-A/A.5917-A) expands the ban on smoking within 100 feet of the entrances, exits or outdoor areas of public and private schools to prohibit smoking during after-school programs. The ban would be in effect only during those hours in which the after-school programs are in session. Residences or residential property within the 100 foot perimeter would be excluded from the new law's smoking ban. In addition, the new law requires such programs to post signs specifying the times at which smoking is prohibited.

Senator Gustavo Rivera said, “I commend Governor Cuomo for signing into law this bill to ensure that children in our communities are not subjected to the dangers of second hand smoking when entering or exiting their after school programs. After school programs should be safe learning spaces and Assemblymember Pichardo and I will continue to work hard to safeguard our community’s public health.”

Assemlymember Victor Pichardo said, “I am elated at the news of this bill’s passage. It is critical that we do everything we can to protect the health of our children, and I want to thank the Governor for signing this important legislation into law. With the help of Speaker Carl Heastie, Senator Gustavo Rivera and my colleagues, our children will no longer be exposed to the harmful and dangerous effects of secondhand smoke while participating in after-school activities that enrich their lives.”

Bill to Assist Grandchildren of Homicide Victims Signed by Cuomo 

Additionally, Governor Cuomo signed legislation that will expand services from the state to the grandchildren of homicide victims, who will now be able to receive reimbursement for counseling expenses. This expanded eligibility takes effect immediately for claims filed from today onward, and applies to grandchildren of any age.

“This new law extends compassion and care for those left in the wake of horrific and tragic circumstances," Governor Cuomo said. “I thank the sponsors of this bill for their hard work in ensuring that more New Yorkers will have the opportunity to get help during a difficult and painful time in their lives."

The state, through the Office of Victim Services, is committed to providing compensation to innocent victims of crime and will do so for certain eligible out-of-pocket losses associated with the crime. New York is the only state in the nation that has no limit on the reimbursement to crime victims or their family members seeking compensation for counseling – meaning eligible individuals can receive help as long as they need it.

This bill (S.5956 / A.8235) expands the eligibility requirements to include grandchildren for this counseling reimbursement, which is already available to most other family members, such as parents, stepparents, siblings and spouses, among others.

Senator Patrick M. Gallivan said, “As a former State Trooper and Sheriff of Erie County and current chair of the Senate Committee on Crime Victims, Crime and Correction, I have seen firsthand how the family of homicide victims are impacted by such acts of violence. The counseling services reimbursed by the Office of Victim Services are critically important and should be offered to all of the victim’s immediate family members, including grandchildren.”

Assemblywoman Crystal Peoples-Stokes said, “It is difficult to imagine the pain that a family goes through when a member is a victim of homicide. Mothers, fathers, children, and grandchildren alike should all be able to seek counseling or therapy, and that is why I was honored to sponsor this bill to bring that service to those who have lost a grandparent. I thank Governor Cuomo for signing this bill, which will help more New Yorkers throughout the grieving process and find solace after a tragic loss.”

Last year, the Office of Victim Services provided more than $20 million in compensation to crime victims and/or their family members. Funding for crime victims’ compensation and the cost of the agency’s day-to-day operations comes entirely from the fines, mandatory surcharges and crime victim assistance fees that certain offenders must pay following conviction in New York State or federal courts. Those fines and fees also fund nearly all of the $36.2 million provided to 228 victim assistance programs across the state.

Under state and federal law, those eligible for assistance must be innocent victims of crime. An award can be reduced or denied if the state determines that a victim’s conduct contributed to their injuries. In addition, the agency is a payer of last resort: all other sources of compensation must be exhausted before the agency can assist a victim or their family. For example, benefits must first be obtained from health or other insurance policies or workers’ compensation before the agency can provide assistance.

For more information about services offered by the Office of Victims Services, including eligibility guidelines and a list of victim assistance programs that provide direct help, such as counseling and crisis intervention, advocacy and legal assistance, to crime victims across all 62 counties in New York, visit www.ovs.ny.gov or call 1-800-247-8035.

Source: Press Office,, New York Governor Andrew M. Cuomo  

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