Fire station plaque dedicated in honor of fallen airman from Commack

The 39-year-old Commack native was known for living his life in service of others.

News 12 Staff

Mar 30, 2019, 2:35 PM

Updated 1,866 days ago

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A Queens firehouse was packed to capacity Saturday morning for a ceremony in honor of Commack native and FDNY Lt. Christopher Raguso, the Air National Guardsman who was killed in a helicopter crash last year.
Raguso and six others were killed in the crash in Iraq in March of 2018. He left behind a wife and two young daughters.
The 39-year-old was known for living his life in service of others. He was a decorated lieutenant in the FDNY, a volunteer with the Commack Fire Department and a master sergeant in the 106th Air Rescue Wing based out of Westhampton Beach.
Today, the fire department helped make sure Raguso's bravery and heroism will never be forgotten. A plaque bearing his name was dedicated at the fire station in Jamaica, Queens, where he was most recently assigned.
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio spoke at the event, along with Raguso's former co-workers. 
His family members also gave remarks, including his father and his grieving widow.
"Thank you all for keeping Christopher's memory alive, and thank you Christopher, for choosing me," Carmella Raguso said.
During his 13-year career, Raguso received six citations for bravery and was considered a rising star in the FDNY.
The event marked the latest of many tributes to the fallen hero. A seven-mile stretch of Jericho Turnpike in Commack was recently renamed in Raguso's honor.


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