Page 15 - Work Force December 2025

Honoring Ebling’s legacy
SILVER CREEK —
One year after the
loss of New York
State Thruway
Authority employee
Stephen “Steve”
Ebling, co-workers,
family members,
and union leaders
gathered at the
Ebling
Silver Creek Maintenance Section to
dedicate a permanent memorial in
his honor.
Ebling, a Thruway maintenance
supervisor 1, was killed on Nov. 4,
2024, while working along I-90 in the
town of Hanover. He was 58.
A 15-year Authority employee,,
Ebling began his supervisory career
at Albany Maintenance before
returning to Western New York to
be closer to home. Over his career,
he worked in nearly every section
within the Buffalo Division, earning
the respect of his peers for his
steady leadership and strong work
ethic.
Outside of his duties with the
Thruway Authority, Ebling also
served as a part-time police officer
with the North Collins Police
Department, dedicating his life to
public service both on and off the
highway.
He was a caring and committed
husband, father, brother and friend,
remembered for putting others first
and cherishing time with his family.
He is survived by his wife, Belindie;
sons, Joel and Brett, along with his
mother, sister and brothers.
The new memorial, featuring a
flag and plaque dedicated to Ebling
now stands as a lasting tribute to his
life and legacy. The site was created
through the collaborative efforts
of Thruway Authority leadership
and maintenance staff, offering
a quiet place for reflection and
remembrance.
During the dedication ceremony,
CSEA New York State Thruway
Authority Local President Sean
Kennedy spoke about the deep loss
felt by the Thruway community and
the importance of carrying Ebling’s
legacy forward.
“Today isn’t about legislation
or policy,” said Kennedy. “Today
is about remembrance. I know
everyone out there has seen the
weight and cost of losing Steve in the
faces of those who loved him — in
his family, co-workers and friends.”
Kennedy reflected on how Ebling’s
passing left a lasting impact on
those who worked
beside him and
inspired a renewed
commitment to
protecting one
another.
“We’ll do
everything we
can to make
sure something
like this doesn’t
happen again,”
said Kennedy. “This memorial will
serve as a place of remembrance,
dedication, reflection and, hopefully,
a reminder to everyone of the
New York State Thruway Authority Local members, including Local
Executive Board member Mark Knox, second from right, and Local
President Sean Kennedy, right, remember fallen member Stephen Ebling.
sacrifices it takes coming to work [at
the Thruway] every day.”
Kennedy noted that Ebling’s
service and spirit will endure
through the work
of those who
continue to serve.
“Together,
we will carry
Steve’s name,
work, and legacy
forward to make
sure it endures
for generations
to come,” said
Kennedy.
Ebling’s name is also engraved on
the Fallen Workers Memorial Wall
at Thruway headquarters in Albany,
where it joins 22 others who have
lost their lives while performing their
jobs.
Thruway Authority Executive
Director Frank Hoare reflected on
the anniversary of Ebling’s passing,
encouraging all staff to honor
his memory by reaffirming their
commitment to safety and mutual
care.
“As we reflect today, one year
since Steve’s death, let us also
reaffirm our commitment to continue
to enhance safety for our employees,
emergency personnel, and our
motorists,” said Hoare. “Our crews
face risks every day, and their lives
depend on everyone on the road
remaining alert and making safety a
priority.”
— Sara McNicholas
Stephen Ebling’s sons Joel and Brett and Stephen’s wife Belindie
pose by his memorial.
CSEA Western Region Secretary Bonnie Peters, in foreground, joins CSEA New
York State Thruway Authority Local members, co-workers and family members
gather to honor Stephen Ebling.
16 The Work Force December 2025