On July 21, Governor Hochul signed the Firefighter Robert Fowler Memorial Highway bill (A8534) into law which was introduced by Assemblyman Josh Jensen (R,C,I-Greece). Residents will be able to honor the spirit of Fowler’s legacy and heroism for years to come on South Union Street in Spencerport between Lyell Avenue and Nichols Street.
Robert “Bob” Fowler exemplified the true meaning of heroism. On February 22, 1997, he and his 15-year-old son responded to a call from Spencerport Volunteer Fire Department during a heavy windstorm. While he was in his car on the way to the call, a 40-foot tree fell on his car crushing him and barely missing his son. For over 20 years, he willingly gave all he had to protect his beloved community from harm until he lost his own life in the line of duty.
State Senator Robert G. Ortt said, “The renaming of a portion of State Route 259 in the Village of Spencerport to the ‘Firefighter Robert Fowler Memorial Highway’ is just one way we can help remind residents of the sacrifices our emergency responders make while serving our communities. The heroism and bravery our first responders display on a daily basis is something we should never take for granted. Although Firefighter Fowler may have given his life in service to our Spencerport community that evening in February, the memory of him and his dedication to protecting us will continue to live on for years to come.”
“Today is a special day for the Fowler family, the Spencerport Fire Department, and residents of Spencerport and Ogden, as they can continue to honor Robert’s legacy while driving through the village each day. Bob selflessly put others before himself day in and day out, and it is such an honor to be able to memorialize him,” said Jensen. “We are so thankful to him and his loved ones for their dedicated service to keeping our neighbors safe. It’s a privilege to be able to show this small token of appreciation for our local hero, Firefighter Robert Fowler.”
Jensen also introduced two other bills recognizing local fallen heroes, one that would designate a portion of State Route 259 in the town of Parma between Lake Ontario State Parkway and Dunbar Road as Specialist Jason Hasenauer Memorial Highway (A8535A). The other would recognize a portion of Latta Road and State Route 18 in the town of Greece as Sergeant Gary Beikirch Memorial Highway (A10110). The bills passed both the Assembly and Senate and are waiting to be signed into law by the governor.
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