Part Of Jericho Turnpike To Be Renamed In Honor Of Lt. Raguso

SMITHTOWN, NY - Officials have announced that a portion of Jericho Turnpike in Smithtown will be renamed in honor of Lt. Christopher Raguso, a Commack resident who died last March while serving in Iraq.

Senator John Flanagan (2nd Senate District), along with Governor Andrew M. Cuomo signed legislation to 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.”

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

“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," Flanagan said.

Raguso’s widow, Carmela called him "an extraordinary husband and father."

"He loved his country and his community and ultimately gave his life that others may live," she said. "We miss him tremendously every day. The outpouring of support and love gives our hearts comfort during this very difficult time."

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. 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.

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

He deployed overseas six times and in addition made multiple trips to Texas and the Caribbean in the wake of Hurricanes Harvey and Irma in 2017.

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.

"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," Flanagan said. "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."

"Lieutenant Christopher Raguso was a true American hero, putting himself before others and answering the call of duty as both a Master Sergeant in the National Guard Air Rescue Wing and as a FDNY Lieutenant," Cuomo added. "This measure will help ensure Lt. Raguso's bravery will never be forgotten and hopefully will inspire others to emulate his selflessness and valor."

In addition to his wife, Raguso is survived his two daughters, Eva and Mila.

Image courtesy of the office of Senator John Flanagan