“Firefighter Robert Fowler Memorial Highway” dedicated in Spencerport
Assemblyman Josh Jensen (R,C-Greece) was joined on Thursday, October 12, by the family of Firefighter Robert Fowler, 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 Village of Spencerport in honor of the fallen firefighter.
With legislation signed into law in 2022 (A.8534-2022), a portion of South Union Street, in the heart of the village was dedicated as “Firefighter Robert Fowler Memorial Highway.” Robert “Bob” Fowler was a member of the Spencerport Fire Department, who, when responding to a call on February 22, 1997, lost his life in the line of duty. During a severe windstorm, a 40-foot tree fell onto his car taking his life while narrowly sparing his son who was responding with him.
Firefighter Fowler joined the Spencerport Fire Department in 1974, serving and protecting the people of his community as well as organizing a Christmas party for the children of department members and being there for his fire department family when needed. At the time of his death, Bob was a sixth-grade teacher in the Byron-Bergen School District, having been an educator for 31 years. Fowler was survived by his wife Gail and sons Alan and Tim.
“Firefighter Fowler is a true community hero who lived his life with a willingness to serve others. It is an incredible honor to create a lasting memorial for not only him but the Fowler family, the Spencerport Fire Department and residents of Spencerport and Ogden,” said Assemblyman Jensen. “We will forever remember his sacrifice and continue to honor him while driving through the village every day.”
“Our family is grateful to Assemblyman Jensen. Bob wanted to serve his community. We are pleased that Bob is being honored for his service. We hope that when those who knew Bob see the sign, they will remember him and smile. We also hope that this sign will remind everyone of the service, dedication and sacrifice of all firefighters and first responders,” said Gail Fowler.
“Firefighter Bob Fowler will forever be remembered as a hero. He selflessly rushed toward danger to help others that day, fully aware of the risks that came with his duty as a firefighter. His life and his legacy are inspirational – and will now be enshrined into our history as we dedicate this portion of highway in his memory,” said Senator Ortt.
“Although our membership has changed over the years, Bob’s memory is alive and well in those of us who knew him. Bob loved this fire department and the community in which he lived and served. He was a wonderful friend, a great father and a loving husband. Bob’s memory will remain alive and well in this department, and we will never forget him. This sign dedication is an enduring tribute to our fallen brother, and we appreciate all the support from the community,” said Spencerport Fire Department Chief Mitch Flagg.
“Specialist Jason Hasenauer Memorial Highway” in Parma
by Tami Raco
A portion of North Avenue (Route 259) between the Lake Ontario State Parkway and Dunbar Road is now known as the Specialist Jason Hasenauer Memorial Highway, dedicated to a hero who sacrificed his life for others.
The morning of October 17, community members, American Legion Post 788, Gold Star Families, and elected officials joined the family of Specialist Jason Hasenauer for a ceremony at the Hilton Fire Department to officially memorialize the roadway.
Jason was a 2003 Hilton High School graduate and an active member of the Hilton Fire Department, which he joined at age 18, though he had been involved with the department’s Explorer Post since age 14, eventually becoming explorer chief.
Jason enlisted in the U.S. Army in 2005. He was a young, dedicated soldier, assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82 Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, North Carolina.
Jason was on deployment to Kandahar, Afghanistan, when on December 28, he was sitting in a machine-gun turret of a Humvee when a roadside bomb went off. The blast overturned the vehicle, injuring four other soldiers and killing Jason. He left behind a loving family, fiancée, and a baby girl who was only four weeks old.
Assemblyman Josh Jensen spearheaded the legislation to have the roadway dedicated and spoke during the ceremony. “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.”
Senator Rob Ortt served in the U.S. Army National Guard from 2001 to 2009 and was deployed to the same region where Jason lost his life. He reminded the community when they travel the road dedicated to Jason, to remember that there are heroes among us like Jason who are willing to give their own life for us.
“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 Ortt.
PFC Hasenauer’s family was present, including his daughter. Jason’s father, who is also a veteran, spoke at the ceremony honoring his son. “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. To have this roadway named after him, he’ll always be remembered for what he did,” said Dan Hasenauer.
Provided information and photo
