Health & Fitness
Helping in a Time of Need
Our hearts go out to those in affected areas who have lost so much and the families and loved ones of the four individuals who were killed in the storm.
As residents of the South Shore and Cape Cod, we are no strangers to rough weather. We’ve endured intense that have taken out power, destroyed property and caused other serious hardships for our communities and families.
But no one could have imagined the devastation in western and central Massachusetts on Wednesday left by . While the rest of us watched as lightening flashed, thunder rolled and rain pounded down on almost every area of our Commonwealth, it was our fellow citizens in communities such as Springfield, Westfield and Monson who bore the brunt of the storms and were left in the path of destructive tornadoes as Governor Deval Patrick declared a state of emergency in Massachusetts. According to reports, the tornadoes caused four deaths, more than 200 injuries and significant damage in 19 communities.
Our hearts go out to those in affected areas who have lost so much and the families and loved ones of the four individuals who were killed in the storm.
I want to extend my greatest thanks to our first responders and public safety personnel who are working so hard to assist people in need. They, along with neighbors and residents from so many communities, are essential in helping our cities and towns recover. Having spoken with senators who represent the affected areas, I will be visiting Springfield and Monson today (Friday) to see the damage firsthand and meet with local workers and residents.
Please keep everyone in western and central Massachusetts in your thoughts as communities and crews continue to assess the damage from the storms and tornadoes.
On a separate note, I would like to express my deepest sadness at the passing of State Trooper Ellen Engelhardt on Wednesday. For those of us who knew her, her bravery served as a model to us all and she lived every day with a level of courage, compassion and strength that is unmatched in most. We will always remember her for her spirit for living, her kindness, her smile and her unquestioned service and dedication to public safety. The sadness of her death is beyond words and my thoughts and prayers are with her daughter Lora, family and loved ones, who sat vigil over her for so many years. Their love and compassion is inspiring.
Senate President Therese Murray is on the Web at http://www.theresemurray.com/
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