Bridge rededicated in honor of fallen National Guard soldier

The community came together to honor the life of a fallen hero.

The bridge that carries on Washington Avenue over I-90 in Rensselaer, was rededicated on Sunday as the CW 2 Casey N. Frankoski Memorial Bridge. Last month, Gov. Kathy Hocul signed an executive order renaming the bridge.

Frankoski, a native of Rensselaer, was one of two local soldiers killed in a helicopter crash in March near the U.S.-Mexico border. John Grassia III was also killed. Jacob Pratt was severely hurt in that crash and continues to recover.

Members of all three families attended the event.

State Sen. Jake Ashby and Assemblyman John McDonald worked to get the bridge named in her honor.

Elected officials held a brief ceremony before the sign was unveiled.

“I hope at the start of a new year, with something like this today, people see the truth of what we are in this state, of what we represent, together what we can do,” Ashby said.

McDonald said he hopes that this bridge will help people remember Frankoski and inspire others. Hundreds of thousands of cars are going to pass by the sign.

“Hopefully, it will inspire young men and young woman to don the uniforms like these gentlemen here and my colleague Jake Ashby or to commit to public service and serve their community so well,” she said.

Rensselaer County Executive Steve McLaughlin said people will be honking their horns in support as they go by.

“It’s just heartfelt memorial to Casey – far too short of a life as we know, but boy did she pack a lot into those years. And she’s an example for all of us about standing up for country and family, most importantly,” he said.

“She was a person of valor, honor, pride and respect, and her family’s always showed that as well,” said Rensselaer Mayor Mike Stammel.