Senator Patrick M. Gallivan and Assemblyman Jonathan Rivera announce the Route 179 bridge over Interstate 90 in the Town of Hamburg will be named in honor of Trooper William P. Keane, a 26-year veteran of the New York State Police, who died in 2013 while on duty.The bridge will be designated the “Trooper William P. Keane Memorial Bridge” under legislation signed into law this week by the governor.

“Trooper Keane served our country in the United States Navy and our state as a member of the State Police,” Senator Gallivan said.“Dedicating this bridge in his name honors his dedication and ultimate sacrifice to our community and will help ensure his work will never be forgotten.”

Assemblymember Jon D. Rivera said, “Trooper William P. Keane’s service to his country and community was indicative of the selflessness with which he lived his life. The sacrifice he paid while doing his duty will not soon be forgotten, and I’m proud to sponsor this legislation to rename the Route 179 bridge over Interstate 90 in Hamburg in his honor. It’s one small way in which we, as elected officials, can pay tribute to Trooper Keane’s service and to credit his legacy.”

Trooper Keane is a Western New York native and was known for his dedication and knowledgeable service with Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Laws.He passed away on August 23, 2013, while on duty with the NYS Police at the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance Conference in Salt Lake City, UT.

The bill to rename the Route 179 bridge in honor of Trooper Keane was sponsored by Senator Gallivan in the Senate, and Assemblyman Rivera in the Assembly.

Signage will be installed at a later date and a formal dedication will be held at that time.