New Staten Island Ferry To Be Named In Honor Of Staff Sergeant Killed In Afghanistan
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- New York City's brand new Staten Island Ferry boat will be named for a soldier who was killed in Afghanistan in 2013.
The Staff Sgt. Michael Ollis will join the fleet of ferries in 2019, WCBS 880's Peter Haskell reported.
"I miss Michael so bad that it hurts," said Ollis' father Bob.
His eyes welling with tears, Bob Ollus spoke with pride about his son.
"Michael's name is going to be out there. You're going to see it just to honor him," he said.
Mayor Bill de Blasio said Michael Ollis jumped in front of a suicide bomber to save the life of a Polish soldier he didn't even know. De Blasio called the young man "an inspiration to us all."
"This was an extraordinary young man and we lost him way too soon. But his deeds, his example continue to show people the right way," the mayor said.
Michael was 24 years old when he died.