Lt. Chris Raguso First To Be Inducted To Heroes Hills Memorial

COMMACK, NY - Lieutenant Chris Raguso, a firefighter for both the Commack Fire Department and the FDNY who died in a helicopter crash in Iraq in March, was honored during a ceremony on Sunday.

Friends and family of Raguso gathered at Hoyt Farm Park Preserve in Commack to honor him as the first inductee to Heroes Hill, a memorial for volunteer firefighters who gave the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country.

Raguso, who was also a New York Air National Guard flight engineer, was one of seven killed after a HH-60 Pave Hawk struck a power line.

The unveiling of Heroes Hill took place just before the start of the first annual Goose Fest 2018. The all day music festival helped to raise funds in support of the Raguso Family.

"This is a symbol of our undying gratitude, our respect and reverence this community holds for Lt. Chris Raguso and all who sacrificed everything to serve here at home and abroad," Town Supervisor Edward Wehrheim said. "I want to personally express my deepest thanks to Jeff Gurmin, his team at Hoyt Farm and our Director of Parks, Joe Arico worked tirelessly to make this monument something we can all be proud of."

The monument is adjacent to the Veterans Memorial with a scenic view of the park and playgrounds.

The Heroes Hill engraving reads, "In honor of our volunteer firefighters who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country."

On the opposite side of the memorial the Punisher Skull, a symbol of honor and gritty determination, is engraved above Raguso, with the inscription "That Others May Live."

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

The unveiling ceremony was held for family and close friends to view prior to the public in time for the Memorial Day weekend.

This isn't the first time the Town of Smithtown community came together to help his family. A fundraising campaign was started on GoFundMe to raise $50,000 and the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation pledged $100,000 on behalf of Raguso.

Photos: Town of Smithtown