On Saturday, April 15th, the Newburgh City Council joined with friends and family of SSG Santiago Frias, hero, and beloved City resident, to dedicate the southeast intersection of Plank Road and Robinson Avenue as “SSG Santiago Frias Way” in recognition of his steadfast service to the City of Newburgh community. SSG Frias was posthumously awarded the ceremonial “Key to the City” at the November 14, 2022 meeting of the City Council.

Frias moved to the City of Newburgh in 2005, after returning from his service during Operation Iraqi Freedom, for which he was awarded the Purple Heart due to injuries sustained during an ambush. SSG Frias embraced the City of Newburgh community. He graduated from Mount Saint Mary College with a bachelor’s degree in social work. He used that degree and his experiences to help adults get back on their feet, and taught Taekwondo at the Newburgh Armory Unity Center to instill discipline and confidence in schoolchildren.

“SSG Santiago Frias exemplified the best of our City – he saw a need, rolled up his sleeves, and got to work helping our young people succeed. The City Council is immensely grateful for SSG Frias’ service to our community, and to our country,” said Mayor Torrance Harvey. “ The dedication of ‘SSG Santiago Frias Way’ will ensure his contributions are never forgotten.”