Legislation to name a section of Route 11 in Northumberland County for fallen hero Army Sergeant Brett D. Swank is one step closer to becoming law after passage by the state House today, according to Rep. Merle Phillips (R-Northumberland/Snyder), author of the proposal.

“Sergeant Swank is a true hero who gave the ultimate sacrifice for his country,” Phillips said. “His commitment, courage and sacrifice in defending our country should never be forgotten, and this highway designation in his memory is an appropriate way to ensure that his legacy lives on for future generations.”

Swank died Jan. 24, 2005, from injuries sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated near his position in Baghdad, Iraq. A graduate of Shikellamy High School, Swank was an Army ranger assigned to the 1st Battalion, 509th Infantry Regiment, out of Fort Polk, LA.

House Bill 2253, which received unanimous support by the House, designates the portion of State Route 11 from the Barry King Memorial Bridge to the Montour County line as the Sgt. Brett D. Swank Memorial Highway.

“I’d like to thank Paul Ruane, commander of the American Legion Post 44 of Northumberland, for approaching me with this request to name this part of Route 11 for a true Northumberland County hero,” Phillips said.

The bill now heads to the state Senate for consideration. Upon being signed into law, PennDOT will be responsible for the placement and maintenance of signs displaying the designations of this bill.

Rep. Merle Phillips
108th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
(570) 286-5885
(717) 787-3485

Contact:  Jennifer Algoe Keaton

Jkeaton@pahousegop.com

(717) 705-2094

Member site:  MerlePhillips.com
Caucus site:  PAHouseGOP.com