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Tom Muratore

On Sunday, August 28, 2011, Hurricane Irene headed up the eastern seaboard and finally passed over Long Island and the tri-state area.  Hurricane Irene may be among the costliest catastrophes in U.S. history.  Most of the damage was caused by flooding, and at least 43 deaths have been attributed to Irene.  The storm knocked out power to 523,000 LIPA customers.

I would like to say “a job well done,” to all who were involved in the hurricane response.   Many firemen, policemen and emergency service employees worked tirelessly for Long Island residents.  These brave individuals worked double and triple shifts throughout the storm to ensure the public’s safety.  We will never know how many lives were saved due to their dedication.

Those of us who have made it through Hurricane Irene should also remember the utility workers, public works and highway employees who braved the storm to do their job.  Without their skill and dedication, more households would be without power today.

I would like to extend my deep appreciation to the aforementioned individuals who put Suffolk County residents’ well-being above their own during Hurricane Irene.  Suffolk County and all of Long Island was prepared to meet the challenges of this storm.  Thank you to all the government agencies, emergency responders, police officers and firefighters who put their lives on the line every day.  God bless all of these individuals and may God bless America.