NEW YORK—A bridge located on the Grand Central Parkway at 94th Street in Queens, NY, near La Guardia Airport, has been officially renamed the ‘Port Authority Police Officer Pavlos D. Pallas Memorial Bridge’. This change pays tribute to Greek-American police officer Pavlos Pallas following a naming ceremony held in Astoria on the afternoon of March 10.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul made the decision to rename the bridge as part of a broader bill aimed at supporting the victims, rescuers, and their families affected by the events of September 11th, 2001.
The designation applies to a segment of the New York state highway system, specifically the bridge located on 94th Street between the 82nd Street overpass and the 102nd Street overpass, which crosses the Grand Central Parkway in the East Elmhurst neighbourhood.
Pallas, who served in the Port Authority Police Department, passed away in 2011 after battling cancer. His health struggles were closely linked to his service at Ground Zero in the aftermath of the September 11th attacks, mirroring the experiences of many other first responders who bravely remained at the site under hazardous conditions.
Pallas's family members, including his wife Margarita Loukas, his parents Dino and Georgia, his brother Andrew, his godmother Anna, and his nieces Konstantina and Eleni, attended the renaming ceremony. Also present was retired NYPD K-9 Unit officer John Pappas, who had named his police dog partner after Pallas as a tribute to their close friendship.
The renaming ceremony was well attended, with a large crowd gathering to honour Pavlos Pallas. The blessing was performed by Fr. Anargyros Stavropoulos, the Dean of Saint Dimitrios Cathedral in Astoria, while Frank Conti, the president of the Port Authority, paid special tribute to Pallas' family. Brief speeches were delivered by Pallas' wife, father, and brother, as well as by John Pappas, each highlighting Pallas's character and dedication. Dino Pallas expressed gratitude to the Port Authority and all those involved in the tribute, underscoring the immense pride he feels for his son and the deep void left by his absence.
New York State Senator Toby Ann Stavinsky and State Assemblyman Jeffrion L. Aubry commended the renaming of the bridge in memory of Pallas, who was praised for his selfless service and sacrifice.
The ceremony concluded with the unveiling of the bridge sign, marking a poignant moment in honouring the legacy of Port Authority police officer Pavlos Pallas.
