ALBANY – Governor Hochul has signed legislation designating the bridge on State Route 28 over the Esopus Creek in the Town of Shandaken as the “Chief John ‘Jody’ Rossitz Memorial Bridge.”
This bill will commemorate the life of John Rossitz of Oliverea Valley. He served 34 years as a volunteer firefighter and as chief of the Big Indian-Oliverea Fire Department.
In 2011, he was instrumental in organizing relief efforts for the Oliverea Valley community after Hurricane Irene.
Through this bill, he will be honored for the work he did for the community.
“Our first responders contribute so much to our communities and John ‘Jody’ Rossitz was the embodiment of the spirit and dedication that runs through all of our volunteers,” State Senator Peter Oberacker said. “It is my humble honor to help keep Chief Rossitz’s memory alive and ensure that others know what he meant to his community and his fellow volunteer firefighters and first responders.”
“Jody Rossitz was the definition of community leader. He brought his expertise to his volunteer rescue services and his volunteer rescue skills to his job,” said Assemblyman Kevin Cahill. “By signing the law naming this important bridge in his honor, Governor Kathy Hochul joins grateful friends, neighbors and coworkers who got to know this loved and admired model citizen.”
