Tales of Heroism in Hurricane Irene

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A number of people gave their lives to rescue others during Hurricane Irene. The Wall Street Journal is publishing three stories on that topic in the Saturday-Sunday print edition. Below are links to two of the articles from their online edition. They, and their families, deserve our prayers and support.


Some government workers lost their lives while trying to prevent flooding or help others. Michael Garofano, 55, a veteran at the Rutland, Vt., public works department, went to the town's water reservoir on Sunday afternoon, apparently to make certain a valve built to keep Mendon Brook from flooding into the local water supply was properly closed. He took his son Mike, 24, along for the ride. It isn't clear what happened, but the brook rose suddenly and both men were swept away. Mr. Garofano's body was found downstream on Monday. His son is presumed dead; his body hadn't been recovered as of Friday.

First of two articles from The Wall Street Journal. 

That Michael Kenwood was willing to wade through dangerous floodwaters in a rescue attempt was no surprise to those who knew him. They say the 39-year-old lawyer and computer consultant was passionate about his volunteer work as an emergency medical technician for the Princeton, N.J., First Aid & Rescue Squad, and trained for water rescues.
His devotion cost him his life on Sunday, in a rescue attempt on an overflowing creek during Hurricane Irene. He left behind his wife and toddler daughter.

And, the second article is here.

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