HARRISBURG – State Rep. Camille “Bud” George, D-74 of Clearfield County, said that a bill honoring a Clearfield County native who died in the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center in New York City on Sept. 11, 2001, has been unanimously voted out of the House of Representatives.
House Bill 1827 would re-designate the Irvona Bridge carrying state Route 53 over Clearfield Creek as the “Mary Ellen Tiesi Memorial 9-11 Bridge.”
“Seeing this bill advance through the House and take one step closer to the governor’s desk makes me proud and honored to be a part of that process,” Rep. George said.
“HB1827 is but a small token of gratitude for a woman who gave her life attempting to save others.”
On Sept. 11, 2001, Irvona native Mary Ellen Tiesi, then 38, was working in the World Trade Center South Tower when it was attacked by terrorists.
As she and a co-worker proceeded to evacuate the building, Tiesi stopped to wait for her employer, who had a heart condition. As her co-worker proceeded to evacuate, Tiesi opted to wait, promising to do so for no more than two minutes. She caught up with her boss, who decided to take the elevator the rest of the way down.
Tiesi’s boss and co-worker both made it out, but Tiesi did not. Her remains have never been recovered.
“Her concern for another brought the ultimate cost,” George said. “To me, that makes her a hero.”
House Bill 1827 was unanimously voted out of the Transportation Committee on Oct. 4. Following today’s passage from the House, the bill now heads to the Senate.
The bridge over Clearfield Creek in Irvona is being rebuilt and is expected to be completed in 2012.