Officials Dedicate New Vehicle In Honor Of Hero Lt. Chris Raguso

DEER PARK, NY - Officials unveiled a new disaster response vehicle on Tuesday dedicated to a Commack veteran who was killed in a helicopter crash in Iraq last year.

The Suffolk Police Department recently received a 10-wheel-drive semi-tractor through a military surplus and decided to name it in honor of Master Sgt. Chris Raguso, who was an Air Force master sergeant, a lieutenant in the FDNY and a volunteer firefighter for the Commack Fire Department.

He was one of four killed in a helicopter crash in Iraq in March 2018.

The vehicle, which was detailed by Will Castro, star of Velocity Channel’s Unique Rides and owner of Unique Worldwide Autosports in Deer Park, will be used as a rescue vehicle during snowstorms or extreme events.

Castro volunteered his time and secured donations to design the vehicle during the past 14 months.

"The truck will help residents during the most difficult of times, a fitting tribute to a hero who dedicated his life to public service and saving others," Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone wrote in a post on Facebook.

Bellone attended the unveiling of the vehicle at Unique Worldwide Autosports on Connor Lane along with Suffolk County Chief of Department Stuart Cameron, members of the 106th Rescue Wing, members of the FDNY and members of the Commack Fire Department

In addition, members of Raguso's family including his parents John and Laura Raguso, his wife, Carmela and his two children, Mila and Eva were also at the event.

This wasn't the first time the Suffolk Police department dedicated a vehicle in honor of local hero.

The department previously dedicated a military surplus Hummer in honor of Lt. Michael J. Murphy, who was killed in action on June 28, 2005.

Related:

• Commack Firefighter Among 7 Killed In Iraq Helicopter Crash
• 4 National Guard Airmen Killed In Iraq Helicopter Crash ID'd
• Fundraisers Started To Help Family Of Fallen Commack Firefighter
• Lt. Chris Raguso First To Be Inducted To Heroes Hills Memorial
• Family Of Fallen Hero Chris Raguso Gets Special Surprise

All photos courtesy of Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone