Governor renames Riverhead bridge in honor of state trooper who died in line of duty

Gov. Kathy Hochul signed legislation Sunday renaming a portion of the Route 25 bridge at the Long Island Expressway in Riverhead in honor of a former state trooper's heroic service.

In May 1986, Trooper Thomas J. Consorte played a crucial role in the arrest of an individual who shot a Suffolk County police officer. Over a year later, on Nov. 23, 1987, while outside his vehicle, setting out flares and investigating an accident, Consorte was struck by a vehicle, killing him instantly, according to the New York State Police website.

He was 24 and had served two years as a trooper.

"Our troopers dedicate their life to keeping New Yorkers safe, and we all owe a debt of gratitude to Thomas J. Consorte for his heroism and sacrifice," Hochul said in a news release. "This legislation pays tribute to a heroic New Yorker by ensuring his legacy lives on for generations to come."

Consorte was born in Oceanside on March 7, 1963 and graduated from Comsewogue High School in Port Jefferson Station. He completed his training at the Basic School at the New York State Police Academy in 1985.

He was first assigned to Troop K, headquartered in Dutchess County, and later transferred to Long Island-based Troop L to be closer to his wife and son, according to a state release.

New York State Sen. Anthony Palumbo (R-New Suffolk), who sponsored the bill, said the renaming of the Route 25 Long Island Expressway overpass in honor of Consorte is a fitting tribute to his life and career.

"The renamed bridge is both a testament to his legacy and to the inherent risk and danger our members of law enforcement face when they put on the uniform," Palumbo said in a statement.

Assemb. Jodi Giglio (R-Riverhead) noted that 16 troopers have died on Long Island in the last 100 years in their line of service.

"Our hearts go out to him and his family as this painful memory draws near," Giglio said in a release. "With many bridges, tunnels and roadways in the state, the naming of the site where this accident occurred is monumental."