In a private ceremony this week, a portion of Interstate 271 was renamed in honor of a firefighter who also fought for state legislation.
The five-mile section of I-271 between mile markers 28 and 32 near Beachwood is now known as the Capt. Michael Palumbo Memorial Highway.
Palumbo, who was a firefighter for 25 years with the Beachwood and Willowick fire departments lost his battle with brain cancer on May 24.
He left behind his wife, Christina, and their five children.
He is remembered for his efforts in fighting to get the state of Ohio to adopt legislation that would provide firefighters with cancer with presumptive workers’ compensation benefits while fighting his own battle with cancer.
That legislation passed and was signed into law by Gov. John Kasich on Jan. 4, 2017, as the Michael Louis Palumbo Jr. Act.
“This is a fitting tribute to Michael,” Mike Taylor, president of the Ohio Association of Professional Fire Fighters, said in an April 2 news release. “Along with the legislation that bears his name, his legacy will be remembered for generations of firefighters.”
State Sen. Kenny Yuko, D-Richmond Heights, said it was a privilege to honor Palumbo and described him as “a brave man who spent his life protecting his community and the values we hold dear.”
“I was blessed to have had the opportunity to know Michael and his family over the years and to see how courageous, loving and bright he was,” Yuko said in a news release. “Renaming this highway in his honor is a small way to thank Captain Palumbo for his service, and for his community to show gratitude. He truly was an incredible man and a true Ohio hero. I know his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of firefighters.”
Don’t miss
>> Michael Palumbo honored with Distinguished Service Award
>> Local firefighter Michael Louis Palumbo Jr. receives hero’s burial
>> Michael Louis Palumbo Act to see a change