The Daily Bulletin Archive

New York State Governor Andrew M. Cuomo has directed that flags on all state government buildings be lowered to half-staff in honor of New York Department of Transportation maintenance worker Dennis "Matt" Howe of Owego, New York (Tioga County). Mr. Howe died from his injuries on Monday, March 18, after a tractor trailer collided with his DOT truck in a work zone on March 13. Flags will be flown at half-staff until his interment.

"I am saddened by the loss of Matt Howe, a dedicated public servant and Department of Transportation employee, who passed away last night due to injuries from when a tractor trailer collided with a DOT truck in the work zone," Governor Cuomo said on Tuesday.

"Since 2006, Matt served DOT Region 9 and the people of the State of New York honorably. As a maintenance worker, he was a jack-of-all-trades who was always eager to lend a hand to the team.

"His death is a tragic reminder of the dangers our workers face every day braving the elements and our roadways, all while looking out for the safety of one another. There is nothing routine about what our maintenance forces do to keep New York's highways safe, and we have zero tolerance for anyone who flagrantly puts the lives and safety of our workers in jeopardy. This year I called for stricter protections for transportation workers to send a clear message that New York stands with our workers.

"In honor of Matt Howe and his service to the people of New York, I am directing that flags be flown at half-staff across this great state. On behalf of the entire family of New York, I extend my deepest condolences to his friends, colleagues, and the loved ones he leaves behind."