Sandy Responders Recognized

Opposite of the conditions during Superstorm Sandy, a warm and sunny morning, the Manasquan Beach Improvement Association recognized first responders who worked around the clock after the storm last October.

Mary Ryan, president of the MBIA, said at the 92nd annual meeting, the township was thankful for all of their efforts.

“The damage and destruction caused by Superstorm Sandy on October 29, 2012 left the beach area in shambles and significantly affected other areas of town as well,” she said. “Some eight months later, some residents are still displaced and property owners are facing difficult decision about how to proceed with the preservation of their homes.”

While the township suffered severe damage, Ryan said the people of Manasquan made it unharmed due to the long range planning and follow through of the first responders.

“The first responders were on duty 24/7 before, during and after the storm,” she said. “Monitoring changing conditions, identifying evolving needs and responding to crisis situations in order to ensure the safety and purity of the Manasquan community.”

Representatives from the different groups and organizations were at the meeting to be recognized for their service, and accept a plaque, which held a poem entitled “To Thank You,” written by a Bette Worth, a trustee of the MBIA, thanking them for their service to the community.

Framed poems were awarded to the following people and organizations:

            - Mayor George Dempsey and the Boro council

            - Boro Adminstrator Joe DeIorio

            - Barbara Ilaria, Manasquan Boro Club

            - Chief of Police Elliott Correia and Lt. Mike Bauer

            - Dave Kircher, Office of Emergency Management

            - Department of Public Works

            - Manasquan Hook and Ladder #1 Fire Chief Mike Galos

            - Manasquan Volunteer Fire Engine #2 Assistant Chief Ed Hill

            - Manasquan First Aid, Dave Egan and Rich Hingston

All of these people are representative of the best of Manasquan, Ryan said. In addition to the framed poems, MBIA will contribute to the beachfront by donating a replacement swing set, which will be dedicated in honor of the first responders.

Members of the community were given the opportunity to say a word of thanks to the first responders for all they did during and after the storm.

Bill Miller, a non-resident, said the MBIA and the first responders helped ensure those who were not able to remain in the area were kept in communication with what was going on.

Other members of the community expressed similar thanks and gratitude towards the members of the first responders, including Mary Ryan of the MBIA. She was given a standing ovation after her thanks.

Police Chief Correia said he wanted to thank the residents of the Boro for their corporation during and after the storm.

“I would like to thank back. What was Manasquan’s darkest moment quickly became our finest hour,” he said. “It was only because of the residents. We are getting thanks for the job we did, but the people made it possible.”

- by Shawn Smith