Assemblyman Josh Jensen (R,C-Greece), today, was joined by the family of Specialist Jason Hasenauer, fellow elected officials including Senate Minority Leader Rob Ortt and community members for a ceremony commemorating the dedication of a portion of New York state highway in the Town of Parma in honor of a fallen American hero Jason Hasenauer.

With legislation signed into law in 2022 (A.8535-2022), a portion of North Avenue, in the northern part of the Town of Parma, was memorialized as “Specialist Jason Hasenauer Memorial Highway.” On Dec. 28, 2005, in Kandahar, Afghanistan, Pvt. Jason Hasenauer was sitting in a machine-gun turret of a Humvee when a roadside bomb went off, overturning the vehicle, injuring four other soldiers and killing Hasenauer. Posthumously promoted to specialist first class, Hasenauer was serving in the Army's 82nd Airborne Division at the time of his death.

Jason was a 2003 graduate of Hilton High School and an active member of the Hilton Fire Department, which he joined when he was 18 years old. Jason joined the Hilton Fire Explorer Post at the age of 14, and there he eventually became explorer chief. Even while in the Army, he routinely called his friends in the Hilton Fire Department to stay in touch.

“Memorializing a portion of North Avenue in honor of Specialist Jason Hasenauer in the Town of Parma is a fitting tribute to a community member who gave his life for his nation,” said Jensen. “Whether it was his military service as a member of the Army, or as a volunteer firefighter with the Hilton Fire Department, he always put service first, and with this dedication, his service and sacrifice will never be forgotten.”

“We are proud to have this memorial highway named in honor of our son Jason, and we are happy that it is so close to home. We are grateful to everyone who has worked so hard to keep his memory alive,” said Dan Hasenauer.

“Specialist Jason Hasenauer made the ultimate sacrifice for our country and our community. Some men are called to service and truly represent what it means to be a hero—Jason is a perfect example of that. He voluntarily joined his local fire department to keep his neighbors safe and became a member of the United States Army where he proudly fought for our freedoms and way of life. His legacy will forever be remembered as we dedicate this portion of highway in his honor,” said Sen. Ortt.

“Pfc. Hasenauer was a hero. A firefighter, partner and new father, he lived a life of service. He selflessly chose to put himself on the line in service of his country, unfortunately making the ultimate sacrifice. I was deeply touched by his story and the work of his loved ones to keep his memory alive. It was my honor to sponsor legislation with my Rochester-area colleagues to display a dedication sign,” said Sen. Jeremy Cooney. “I hope that all who pass by it take a few moments to learn about the man whose legacy it represents.”

“Hiscock-Fishbaugh American Legion Post 788 is honored to join in today’s dedication ceremony. Specialist Jason Hasenauer was a remarkable young man who embodied selfless service—first with his community through the Hilton Fire Department and then to his country as a member of the U.S. Army and 82nd Airborne Division. We are thankful for Assemblyman Jensen and his staff for their tireless efforts to recognize and permanently honor Jason’s sacrifice for his community and nation. We commit ourselves to stand with and support the Hasenauer Family—and all Gold Star Families—and how grateful we are for Jason’s service,” said Kyle Mullen, adjutant with Hiscock-Fishbaugh American Legion Post 788 and retired lieutenant colonel with the Air Force.