New York State Senate Passes Legislation To Rename Roadway In Honor Of Lt. Christopher J. Raguso

Senator John Flanagan (2^nd Senate District) announced that the New York State Senate has passed legislation that will rename a portion of Jericho Turnpike in honor of Commack resident Christopher Raguso, who lost his life earlier this year serving our nation in Iraq.  The legislation, which Senator Flanagan sponsors, will ceremonially name a 7 mile stretch of Route 25, from East Deer Park Road in Dix Hills to St. Johnland Road in Smithtown the "Lt. Christopher J. Raguso FDNY-CFD Memorial Highway.”

“The renaming of this roadway will serve as a reminder of the service and dedication of Lt. Raguso to all who travel through this area.  While the word hero is sometimes overused, it is a truly fitting description to the life of Lt. Raguso who lived a selfless life of dedication to others,” stated Senator Flanagan.  “It is my hope that this honor helps to express the deep appreciation our community has for his brave service.”

An HH-60G special missions aviation flight engineer, Master Sergeant Raguso was tragically killed, along with six of his fellow service members, in a military helicopter crash in Iraq on March 15^th.  He was serving in Iraq as part of the 106^th Rescue Wing, which is stationed at F.S. Gabreski Air National Guard Base in Westhampton Beach.

In addition to serving the nation in the military, Master Sergeant Raguso was a respected member of the Commack Volunteer Fire Department since 2000 and a 13-year veteran of the New York City Fire Department in 2005, where he served in both Ladder Company 113, Flatbush, Brooklyn, and Engine Company 302, Jamaica, Queens.  During his service in the FDNY, he was honored six times for bravery and lifesaving actions.

Master Sergeant Raguso is survived by his wife, Carmela, and his two daughters, Eva and Mila.

The legislation calls for the installation of commemorative signage on the roadway.  Additionally, the official roadway name will remain unchanged to help avoid confusion and to limit any possible disruption of commerce.