Today, the New York State Assembly passed a bill that would designate a portion of the Long Island Expressway as the “Staff Sgt. Louis Bonacasa Memorial Bridge.” The bill, introduced by Assemblyman Joe DeStefano (R,C,I,Ref-Medford), is in honor of U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Louis Bonacasa of Suffolk County, who was killed in a suicide attack while on patrol near Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan in December 2015. Louis Bonacasa left behind his wife, Deborah, and his daughter, Lily.

“Those who knew Staff Sgt. Bonacasa can attest that he was an exceptional man, a hero in the community and a loving husband, son and father. I commend the State Legislature for coming together and showing gratitude for his service and sacrifice to our country,” said DeStefano. “Designating this piece of highway is a small gesture in comparison, but a way to ensure that his name and memory will live on.”