Utica, NY – Today, Assemblywoman Marianne Buttenschon is honored to announce Governor Kathy Hochul’s official enactment of co-sponsored measure A.11290, dedicating a portion of State Route 28 in the Village of Herkimer, from its intersection with Canal Access Road to its intersection with State Route 5, as the ‘War Dog Memorial Highway’.

The State’s dedication follows a years-long effort championed by Herkimer County Legislator John Brezinski to pay tribute to America’s Military Working Dogs and their handlers, and further memorializes the life and legacy of United State’s Marine Corps Sergeant Adam Cann and his Military Working Dog, Bruno. Sergeant Cann, whose legacy is immortalized in a bronze monument sponsored by Brezinski just off Thruway Exit 30 in Herkimer, became the first U.S Military dog handler to be killed in action since the Vietnam War when, upon receiving intelligence reports of a potential imminent attack, he voluntarily reported for duty on his day off, instructing his fellow handlers, many of whom were married with children, to stand down while he took their place providing security outside an Iraqi police recruitment center in Ramadi. When Bruno alerted to a suicide bomber in the crowd, Sergeant Cann rapidly advanced on the man, whose detonation of the explosive device claimed Cann’s life, while selflessly saving those of his fellow Marines. He was just 23 years old. Sergeant Cann was posthumously awarded a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star with a combat "V" device for valor, and was laid to rest with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery. Bruno, though gravely wounded in the blast, survived and was himself awarded a Purple Heart, going on to serve at Camp Pendleton where he helped train the next generation of military working dogs.

Assemblywoman Buttenschon reflected, “Sergeant Adam Cann embodied the very best of American service and sacrifice, a young man who, on his day off, chose to put himself in harm's way so that his fellow Marines could go home safely. That is the definition of a hero. I am proud to have helped champion this legislation, and I am grateful to Legislator Brezinski for his unwavering commitment to ensuring that Sergeant Cann, Bruno, and all of our Military Working Dog teams receive the recognition they have earned, and to Assemblyman Robert Smullen for his introduction of this legislation. Today, every New Yorker who travels that stretch of Route 28 will now do so in the shadow of their legacy, and I hope it serves as a reminder of the profound debt we owe to all who serve.”

Legislator Brezinski reflected, “The formal dedication of this section of highway will bring deserved recognition and honor to all our Veterans and four-legged soldiers, who have with dignity and valor served our great country for generations. As the Founder of Guardians of Freedom, our mission has been simple: ensure the legacies of Sergeant Adam Cann, Bruno, and every military working dog team are never forgotten, and my deepest gratitude goes out to Assemblywoman Buttenschon for her unwavering attention to and support for this endeavor. She has worked diligently to help implement this for our veterans and community, and played a crucial role in achieving today’s outcome. Her commitment is what helped make this a success and will remain in our hearts forever. I also want to thank Assemblyman Robert Smullen for his support.”