West Harrison, NY -- Standing above Interstate 287 on the White Plains Avenue Bridge with the family of West Harrison resident NYPD Det. TSgt. Joseph G. Lemm, local lawmakers, community members and NYPD honored his commitment to his country and ultimate sacrifice by formally dedicating it as "NYPD Det. TSgt. Joseph G. Lemm Memorial Bridge.”
In 2015, Lemm was killed in the line of duty in Afghanistan when his convoy was attacked by a suicide bomber. It was his third deployment overseas with the U.S. Air Force, serving twice in Afghanistan and once in Iraq. Posthumously, he was awarded the Bronze Star for valor by his commanding officers for putting himself in front of the bomber to protect his fellow soldiers.
He left behind a wife, Christine, and two children, Brooke and Ryan, both of whom sang at the dedication.
Christine DeGuisto-Lemm said: “Today has been long awaited and is finally here. So many have worked so hard to make this day, this special honor for Joe in our hometown come to fruition. This is a day that I will cherish forever. It is my hope for generations to come that when people see the name Joseph Lemm, they will look up his name and learn his story, learn about what a true selfless American hero is. God bless our fallen on this sacred day!”
Father Christopher Monturo said: “It is fitting that on this Memorial Day we dedicate this bridge overpass to the loving memory of Joseph Lemm - for his life and sacrifice serve as a witness to our nation's best and highest ideals - honor, courage, bravery. Each time we pass this way, we will remember Joe. And, this memorial will also remind us of the countless men and women whose names we do not know but whose memory we nonetheless hold just as dear.”
Lemm was a 15-year veteran of the New York Police Department activated from the Air Force Reserves and New York Air National Guard. In addition to serving in the Middle East, he worked tirelessly as a first responder during 9/11.
In 2019, New York State enacted legislation (S4588A/A6332A), sponsored by Senator Shelley B. Mayer and former Assemblymember David Buchwald, to dedicate this portion of the State Highway system.
Honorable David Buchwald said: “Joseph Lemm, with his 15-years of service in the NYPD, three tours of duty in Afghanistan and Iraq, and his ultimate sacrifice, is fittingly being recognized by this bridge dedication for the highest form of service to our community and nation. The people of West Harrison and all of New York passing this bridge will be inspired for generations to learn about Detective/Sergeant Lemm.”
NYPD Commissioner Dermot Shea said: “Today we honor Detective Joseph Lemm and we will never forget his service to our country or the City of New York. His sacrifice to both his family and country was the greatest any person can make. This dedication allows us to both honor his memory and recognize Lemm as a selfless public servant who dedicated his life to protecting others.”
Westchester County Executive George Latimer said: “We are all proud and honored to call Joseph Lemm a son of Westchester County. He made the ultimate sacrifice for his Country and it is only fitting that we honor his memory each day, but especially this Memorial Day. We will honor his sacrifice, and think of his family each time we pass over this bridge named in his honor. Let it always be known that Joseph Lemm was a true American hero.”
Senator Shelley B. Mayer said: “Today's dedication is a solemn reminder that Joseph Lemm put country before personal safety, loyalty above comfort and dedication ahead of selfishness. We are deeply in debt to him for his service to our nation, and to our state, and stand with his family and all of this community to honor his memory. The naming of this bridge will stand to impress upon all of us that Joseph Lemm was a true American hero, and we forever remember and honor him.”
Assemblymember Chris Burdick said: “NYPD Det. TSgt. Joseph G. Lemm was a true hero, the likes of which we rarely see. Yes, the Nation recognizes his valor with the posthumous award of the Bronze Star and we here today recognize his valor naming this bridge in his honor, but we never can repay our debt of gratitude to NYPD Det. TSgt. Lemm or to the legions of brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. To his family, friends, and colleagues, I offer my humblest gratitude for NYPD Det. TSgt. Lemm’s exemplary service to our Nation and the State of New York.”
Major General Timothy J. LaBarge said: “This bridge dedication means a lot to me. I knew Joe, we worked together at Stewart Air National Guard Base. Joe was killed in combat on 21 December 2015. Joe was a giant of a man in both stature and spirit, and he resonated both physical presence and courage. He had an iconic quality that serves to define the 105th Base Defense Squadron and enhance not only his legacy but theirs. Today gives me the opportunity to remember Joe and his courage and his sacrifice, to remember, even for a brief moment. It allows me to play a small part in upholding our end of the contract with Joe, a contract that requires us to never forget. This ceremony is a small installment towards repaying our debt by using the one currency that most matters to him and Christine and Brooke and Ryan and all his family, the currency of our collective memories. We owe him at least that much.”
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