CARMEL- A section of Route 301 from Belden Rd. to Gipsy Trail Rd. in Carmel is now known as the John McArdle Memorial Highway in memory of the former NYPD lieutenant who oversaw the rescue and recovery operations at Ground Zero after the 9/11 terrorist attacks as part of the NYPD’s Emergency Services Unit.
Gov. Kathy Hochul last fall approved the law proposed by State Senator Pete Harckham and Assemblyman Matt Slater.
More than two hundred people assembled on a chilly Saturday morning along the winding road close to a causeway linking Carmel and Kent, while current and former New York City Police leaders commended McArdle before revealing a new road sign.
McArdle passed away in 2023 from 9/11-related cancer. The 68-year-old Carmel resident began his career in law enforcement in the late 1970s first as a corrections officer at the Green Haven Correctional Facility in Stormville, eventually making his way through the ranks of the New York City Police Department in various roles with the Bronx Task Force, Emergency Services Unit, ESU Tactical Apprehension Team and Federal Emergency Management New York Task Force.
In July 2001, McArdle started his retirement process with the NYPD. On September 11th, two months later, McArdle resumed duty to respond to the World Trade Center attack. He served as the On Scene Coordinator for ESU’s search, rescue, and recovery operations during his time there where he was recognized for his outstanding performance and leadership and promoted to Lieutenant Special Assignment becoming the 90th recipient of the NYPD Honor Legion Medal of Valor.
During Saturday’s ceremony, Harckham described McArdle as a “pillar of the Carmel community.”
“His lifelong commitment to public service was clear in all he did. From his distinguished career with the NYPD to his tireless advocacy for 9/11 responders and retired first responders, he brought professionalism, tireless energy and deep compassion to his every effort,” Harckham said.
Slater was unable to attend due to his military obligations but his spokesperson noted: “Having been on-scene on Ground Zero, John McArdle’s bill being signed into law during this time of remembrance for all 9/11 heroes and those we lost is a deeply fitting tribute. John was selfless, endlessly compassionate and strong in his values, an example we should all strive to uphold. I’m grateful to Sen. Harckham for his partnership in carrying this legislation and to Governor Hochul for signing it, ensuring John’s legacy will live on in our community.”
In retirement, McArdle continued to serve his fellow officers and first responders through extensive volunteer work, including his role as vice president of the Fraternal Order of Police Stephen P. Driscoll Memorial Lodge #704 and his involvement in HEART 9/11 and the Cops 4 Cops program.
Putnam FOP President Pete Conlin worked side-by-side with McArdle in the NYPD’s Emergency Services Unit.
Conlin described the fallen officer as the “greatest of all time. He was the best of the best.”
McArdle’s widow Barbara thanked Albany lawmakers for recognizing her husband as well as those attending the ceremony.
“The naming of this highway lifts my spirits to know that the sacrifices of 9/11 will not be forgotten,” she said adding: “I’m sure John is so proud that he is doing cartwheels in heaven today.”
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