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Overcast Long Beach ‘paying it forward’ for Buffalo
City sends crew to assist in recovery efforts after deadly snowstorm
In response to the unprecedented snowstorm that devastated the Buffalo area, the City of Long Beach extended a helping hand, with officials saying that they are “paying it foward” for all the help and support Long Beach received after it was devastated by Hurricane Sandy two years ago.
Less than a week in which Buffalo was rocked by snowstorms that left more than a dozen people dead and dumped more than 7 feet of snow in the area, the city sent a team of city workers upstate to help with recovery efforts in the region.
Last Saturday morning, in coordination with the New York State Department of Transportation and the Department of Homeland Security, the City of Long Beach dispatched equipment and personnel to Buffalo, where a crew assisted with similar duties to what municipalities like Buffalo performed in Long Beach in the aftermath of Sandy.
“It is only fair that after other towns and cities did so much to help us in our moment of need, that we do whatever we can to ‘pay it forward’ and assist those in need” said City Council President Scott Mandel.
According to Newsday, the city sent 12 city employees, four six-wheel dump trucks and a mechanic’s service vehicle, to be used in case any of the trucks broke down. After plowing streets and helping residents dig out, the employees dispatched to the Buffalo region returned home on Wednesday — just in time for Thanksgiving.
“As we continue along our road to recovery, the City of Long Beach will never forget those who stood shoulder to shoulder with our brave citizens and first responders after the devastation caused by Superstorm Sandy,” said City Council Vice President Fran Adelson said. “As a community, we welcome the opportunity to do the right thing, and stand with those who need our help.”
“Our workforce always steps in when it counts, and we salute those employees who are going to spend time away from their families and brave the extreme weather in order to help those in crisis,” said Councilman Anthony Eramo.
“We are happy to assist the families of Buffalo in whatever way we can, and are glad that our employees will be home in time to enjoy Thanksgiving with their families,” said Councilman Len Torres.
“Just as there was an outpouring of support for us after Sandy, we will now show that same support for the people of Buffalo. I am honored that we are lending a helping hand,” said Councilwoman Eileen Goggin.
