New York Governor’s Latest Legislation Supports Victims of 9/11

On the 23rd anniversary of the September 11th attacks, Governor Kathy Hochul signed a legislation package to support those victims in New York City. 

The package comes in three parts. Legislation S.7586A/A.8131A permits the awarding of accidental death benefits to the beneficiary of Anthony Vavaro, a Port Authority police officer and member of the NYS Local Police and Fire Retirement System. Vavaro died in a car accident on his way to a 9/11 memorial ceremony in 2022. Legislation S.8411/A.8868 authorizes the conversion of Lieutenant Paul Adam’s disability retirement benefit to an accidental death benefit for his widow. Adam developed a chronic illness while deployed as an officer at Ground Zero. 

Finally, Legislation S.9251A/A.10021A designates the Route 9 Carpenter’s Flat Bridge bridge as the “Captain Christopher J. Garrow Memorial Bridge.” Garrow was a State Police veteran who participated in search and recovery efforts at Ground Zero; he succumbed to cancer in 2023.

“We will never forget the horrors of the 9/11 terrorist attacks — and each year, we must honor the memories of the fallen heroes who put their lives on the line for their fellow New Yorkers,” Governor Hochul said. “This legislation will ensure these victims are remembered and their families are supported.”

State senators and assembly members all gave their good word regarding Hochul’s decision to sign this legislation into effect. Their thoughts and prayers were some of many heard on the 23rd anniversary of the attacks.