Commack Firefighter Among 7 Killed In Helicopter Crash

A U.S. Air Force carry team transfers the remains of Master Sgt. Christopher Raguso of Commack, who was among the seven killed in a U.S. military helicopter crash in western Iraq last Thursday.  Photo/Tech. Sgt. Matt Davis.

A Commack resident and firefighter was among the seven service members killed in a U.S. military helicopter crash in western Iraq last Thursday.

Master Sgt. Christopher Raguso, a New York National Guard member with the 106th Rescue Wing, died from injuries he suffered from the crash on what was to be his last tour of duty. Authorities have said there was no evidence to suggest the helicopter was shot down.

Raguso, 39, was a member of the Commack Fire Department and FDNY through his 20-year professional career.

A post to the Commack Fire Department Facebook page called Raguso “a great American Patriot, friend and brother… Chris was always there to help anyone with anything – he would never say ‘no.’”

Huntington Supervisor Chad Lupinacci directed Monday that all flags at Town of Huntington buildings be flown at half-mast in honor of Raguso.

“The people in our town are deeply grateful to your loved ones for their sacrifice in the protection of our nation’s security,” Lupinacci said in a statement. “On behalf of the Town of Huntington, you have our deepest sympathies and our prayers will be with you and your families at this sad and tragic time.”

Raguso is also survived by his wife, Carmella, and their two daughters.

A fundraising campaign was launched Sunday by the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation, which pledged $100,000 to help Raguso’s family pay off their mortgage. Donations can be made through Tunnel2towers.org.

The remains of the seven servicemen were brought to Dover Air Force Base in Delaware on Sunday.

A memorial bunting ceremony for Raguso was held in Brooklyn Monday at FDNY Engine Company 249/Ladder Company 113.

Local visitation for Raguso will be held both Thursday, March 29 and Friday, March 30, 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. at the Commack Fire Department (6309 Jericho Turnpike). A funeral Mass will be held Saturday, March 31, 11 a.m. at St. Joseph's Church (59 Church St., Kings Park).

In addition to Raguso, three other servicemen killed in the crash had ties to Long Island: Captain Christopher Zanetis, of Long Island City; Captain Andreas O’Keeffe, of Center Moriches; and Staff Sergeant Dashan Briggs, of Port Jefferson.

–ANDREW WROBLEWSKI

Editor's note: This story was updated with funeral service information
at 1:37 p.m. on Monday, March 26.