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.”
“I’d like to personally thank Governor Tom Corbett for helping to put this last piece of the puzzle in place,” George said. “The governor and I may not agree on everything, but today’s action shows that, politics aside, we can work together to honor an American hero who sacrificed her life to help another.
“I am honored and humbled to be able to memorialize Ms. Tiesi for her actions.”
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, she 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 Committees in the House and Senate, followed by unanimous votes on final passage in each chamber. Upon receiving the governor’s signature, the bill has now become law.
A bridge dedication ceremony is tentatively scheduled for May 26.
“This is but a small token of appreciation for a woman who gave the ultimate sacrifice,” George said. “These moments are always bittersweet, but I hope that her compassion for a fellow human will inspire others to serve and care for loved ones and complete strangers alike.”