A section of Route 11 in Northumberland County will now officially be named in memory of fallen Army hero, Sergeant Brett D. Swank, after the governor officially signed House Bill 2253 into law today, said Rep. Merle Phillips (R-Northumberland/Snyder), author of the legislation. 

“I am hopeful that everyone who uses Route 11 will remember and acknowledge the sacrifices Sergeant Swank made to protect our freedoms and democracy,” Phillips said. “As we pause this Independence Day weekend to honor the forefathers who established this country, I believe it is also fitting that we honor the men and women, like Sergeant Swank, who kept our democracy going for the past 234 years and who made the ultimate sacrifice in doing so.” 

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.  

Under House Bill 2253, which received unanimous support by both the House and Senate, the portion of State Route 11 from the Barry King Memorial Bridge to the Montour County line will be known as the Sgt. Brett D. Swank Memorial Highway. 

The inspiration of this legislation was brought forth by Paul Ruane, commander of the American Legion Post 44 of Northumberland.  

PennDOT will now be responsible for the placement and maintenance of signs displaying the designations of this highway.  

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