Long Beach sends equipment, workers to aid snow-struck Buffalo area
The city of Long Beach, devastated two years ago by superstorm Sandy, is sending equipment and manpower to the Buffalo region, which is digging out from a historic snowstorm that buried some areas under more than 7 feet of powder and killed at least 12 people.
Yesterday morning, the city dispatched 12 city employees, four six-wheel dump trucks and a mechanic's service vehicle, which will be used if any of the trucks break down, Long Beach spokesman Gordon Tepper said.
City lawmakers said the resources are a way of showing gratitude to municipalities that sent supplies and workers to Long Beach after Sandy in October 2012.
"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," City Council President Scott Mandel said.
The employees dispatched to the Buffalo region are expected to return in time for Thanksgiving, according to Councilman Len Torres.
Suffolk and Nassau counties have also sent a convoy of trucks, equipment and workers to Buffalo to assist with snow removal.
Suffolk sent two payloaders, which are carried on two trucks, and two dump trucks. The county also sent a foreman and six equipment operators who together can cover 24-hour shifts.
Nassau deployed seven workers, two dump truck/plows and three payloaders.
Robert Brodsky is a breaking news reporter who has worked at Newsday since 2011. He is a Queens College and American University alum.
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