Tuesday, June 12, 2018

Assemblywoman Jenne introduces legislation calling for Philadelphia bridge be renamed to honor Trooper Joel Davis

Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne, D-Theresa, announced legislation (A.11054) she authored to rename the bridge on Route 11 crossing the Indian River in the village of Philadelphia in Jefferson County the “Trooper Joel R. Davis Memorial Bridge” has moved out of the state Assembly's Transportation Committee and is on the Ways and Means Committee agenda for Wednesday.

New York State Police Trooper Davis was shot and killed on July 9, 2017, after responding to the scene of a domestic dispute with shots fired in the town of Theresa.

Trooper Davis served in the New York State Police for four years, after a 10-year career as a deputy with the Jefferson County Sheriff's Department.

"There have been a number of efforts over the past year to honor the life of Trooper Davis, and all have merit. I introduced this bill after consultation with many of those close to Joel, as well as seeing the efforts the community is taking to honor his life," Assemblywoman Jenne said.

The village of Philadelphia will be honoring Trooper Davis on municipal property directly adjacent to the bridge, which will be named in Trooper Davis' honor in July.

There will be a flag pole and green space accessible by the nearby pedestrian bridge.

"This is a fitting place to pay tribute to Trooper Davis' life and will complement the efforts of others to honor him in a place of prominence. It will allow us to reflect on the impact he had on our lives and the community that helped shape him into the hero we always knew he was and will always be and ensure that his sacrifice will never be forgotten," Assemblywoman Jenne said.

The father of three was an extremely active volunteer in local youth sports in the area.

Trooper Davis was raised and lived most of his life in Philadelphia. He also spent most of his law enforcement career working here and was assigned to the state police barracks in Philadelphia at the time of his death.

Assemblywoman Jenne, a Philadelphia native, pointed out the bridge is heavily travelled and within sight of the elementary school Trooper Davis attended.

The bill (S.6839-A) is being sponsored by State Sen. Patty Ritchie in the New York State Senate.