Part Of Jericho Turnpike To Be Renamed For Hero Airman

COMMACK, NY - A portion of Jericho Turnpike will be renamed in honor of Commack resident Christopher Raguso, a Air National Guard flight engineer who died who died in a helicopter crash in Iraq back in March, New York State officials announced on Wednesday.

Sen. John Flanagan announced that the New York State Senate has passed legislation that will rename part of the road on behalf of the former firefighter for both the Commack Fire Department and the FDNY.

The legislation will ceremonially name a seven 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."

A commemorative sign will be installed on the roadway. The official roadway name will remain unchanged to help avoid confusion and to limit any possible disruption of commerce.

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"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," Flanagan said. "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. It is my hope that this honor helps to express the deep appreciation our community has for his brave service."

Raguso was tragically killed along with six of his fellow service members in a military helicopter crash in Iraq on March 15.

He was serving in Iraq as part of the 106th 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, 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 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.

He is survived by his wife, Carmela, and his two daughters, Eva and Mila.