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 the “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.
“Today has been long awaited and is finally here,” Christine DeGuisto-Lemm said. “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.”
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 Sen. Shelley B. Mayer and former Assemblyman David Buchwald, to dedicate this portion of the state highway system. “Today we honor Detective Joseph Lemm and we will never forget his service to our country or the City of New York,” NYPD Commissioner Dermot Shea said. “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.”
Major General Timothy J. LaBarge added, “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.” (Submitted)
