Christopher J. Raguso

Master Sergeant Christopher J. Raguso gave his life in service to our nation on March 15, 2018.  An HH-60G special missions aviation flight engineer, Master Sergeant Raguso was tragically killed, along with six of his fellow service members, in a military helicopter crash in Iraq.  He had been a member of the 106th Rescue Wing, based in Westhampton Beach, since 2001.

In addition to his service to his nation in the National Guard, Master Sergeant Raguso was a devoted professional and volunteer first responder.

As a member of the New York City Fire Department for 13 years, Master Sergeant Raguso served over a decade at Engine 249 in Flatbush and, following his promotion to lieutenant, two years at Battalion 50 in Queens.  During his service in the FDNY, he was honored six times for bravery and lifesaving actions.

Locally, Master Sergeant Raguso served his community as a lieutenant of Company 4 of the Commack Fire Department.  A volunteer since 2000, Master Sergeant Raguso was a valued member of the department, and essential in new member training.  He was unanimously promoted to the rank of honorary fire chief following his passing.

To honor his service to his nation and his community, a 7-mile stretch of Route 25 in Suffolk County has been renamed “Lt. Christopher J. Raguso FDNY-CFD Memorial Highway.”

Christopher left behind his wife Carmela, his parents John and Laura and his brother Marc.  Together with Carmella, he is the proud father of Eva and Mila, who will always know that their father has left an indelible legacy in their nation and their hometown.