Senator Flanagan Announces New Law Renaming Highway In Honor Of Lt. Christopher J. Raguso

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

Lt. Raguso’s widow Carmela said, “Chris was an extraordinary husband and father.  He loved his country and his community and ultimately gave his life that others may live.  We miss him tremendously every day.  The outpouring of support and love gives our hearts comfort during this very difficult time.”

“Lt. Christopher Raguso is a true American hero who repeatedly stepped up to protect his country and community.  He served honorably and selflessly, and our hearts are broken for his family and friends.  His love of country and serving others is reflected in his years of dedicated military and firefighter service, and that will forever stand as an example for others to follow.  It is my hope that this recognition serves as an everyday reminder of the courageous sacrifice Lt. Raguso made on behalf of this great nation.  We owe him a debt of gratitude that can never be repaid, and we will continue to be here for his beautiful family,” stated Senator Flanagan.

As an HH-60G special missions aviation flight engineer with the rank of 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, he was a respected member of the Commack Volunteer Fire Department since 2000 and a 13-year veteran of the New York City Fire Department since 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.

Lt. Raguso is survived by Carmela, and their two daughters, Eva and Mila.

The renaming of the roadway calls for the installation of commemorative signage on the roadway.