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The stretch of Tuckahoe Road where Yonkers police Sgt. Frank Gualdino died when an unlicensed teenage driver slammed into his patrol car two years ago was named in his memory Wednesday. As a crowd of more than 100 looked on, his wife, Lisa, and children Emily and Mark unveiled a sign proclaiming the "Detective Sergeant Frank Gualdino Memorial Bridge". "Frank died on this bridge doing what he loved, serving the people of Yonkers," Lisa Gualdino said moments earlier. "As you cross this now-symbolic bridge, I hope you recognize the strength and fortitude of the honor and sacrifice of Frank and the entire Yonkers Police Department." On the afternoon of Dec. 1, 2022, Gualdino was headed west on Tuckahoe Road to check on a traffic post when the oncoming 16-year-old lost control of his BMW, crossed into westbound traffic and smashed into Gualdino's car and a Beeline bus on the overpass to the parkway. Gualdino, who was posthumously promoted to detective sergeant, was a 24-year veteran of the department who had planned to retire last year. The teenage driver was indicted on a criminal charge but because of his age the case was transfered to Family Court. He was sentenced earlier this year to probation and community service. Police Commissioner Christopher Sapienza said Gualdino's death left a permanent void in the department and that memorials like the one on Wednesday are consistent with the department's vow to forever remember officers who fall in the line of duty. "We want our community to remember Frank every time they travel across this bridge," he told the crowd. "We want to show that his legacy, his service and his sacrifice to our community is not forgotten and will never be forgotten." Renaming the bridge was a collaborative effort among city, county and state officials and was approved by the state Legislature. Signs marking the naming were also posted in the north and south lanes of the parkway. "We understood the importance of recognizing this bridge, this area, where Frank lost his life to remind us of his commitment, and his compassion, and to remember his legacy," said state Assemblyman Nader Sayegh, who spearheaded the effort. Mayor Mike Spano lauded Gauldino as a police officer, friend, husband and father who remains a huge part of the lives he touched. "Remember the gravity of what's about to happen here," Spano said at the outset of the ceremony. "It's not just a name on a plaque. It's a moment in history, a moment we'll all just cherish in our hearts because we're celebrating a man's life." Lisa Gualdino called it a bittersweet day for the family, but said the honor was fitting on a bridge that her husband likely crossed thousands of times in his life "right up until the end." "The void of Frank's loss is immeasurable and inextinguishable but events like this help to heal the pain by granting him the love and respect he deserves," she said.
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