Part of Jericho Turnpike Co-Named for Commack Airman

A stretch of Jericho Turnpike will be co-named Lt. Christopher J. Raguso FDNY-CFD Memorial Highway in honor of a local airman who was killed in Iraq earlier this year.

Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo Friday signed legislation designating the length piece of Jericho Turnpike between East Deer Park Road and St. Johnland Road for Raguso, who a lieutenant in the Fire Department of New York, a master sergeant in the New York Air National Guard’s 106th Air Rescue Wing and a member of the Commack Fire Department. He and six others were killed in March when their helicopter crashed.

“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,” Governor Cuomo said. “This measure will help ensure Lt. Raguso’s bravery will never be forgotten and hopefully will inspire others to emulate his selflessness and valor.”

As a National Guard airman, Raguso was deployed overseas six times, and made multiple trips to Texas and the Caribbean in the wake of Hurricanes Harvey and Irma in 2017. He joined the FDNY in 2005 after serving as a volunteer firefighter with the Commack Volunteer Fire Department starting in 2000.

Senate Majority Leader John J. Flanagan said, “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. 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. 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.”

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