Rotterdam bridge to be named after John M. Grassia III

ROTTERDAM, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- A bridge in Rotterdam will soon be named to honor Chief Warrant Officer John M. Grassia III. Grassia was a Rotterdam native who lost his life when his helicopter crashed during a mission in 2024 near the southern border.

The bridge is located on Becker Road. It will be officially named "Bridge Dedicated to CW2 John M. Grassia III."

Sponsors of the bill said his life of service both in the National Guard and as a State Trooper make him a local hero. “John Grassia was more than a decorated soldier and a State Trooper — he was a son of Rotterdam,” said Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara. “He grew up here, served his country and community with honor, and gave his life in the line of duty. This bridge will stand as a permanent reminder of his courage, his sacrifice, and the strong connection he had to our hometown.”