[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 131 (Wednesday, September 7, 2011)]
[Senate]
[Page S5382]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      REMEMBERING MICHAEL GARAFANO

 Mr. SANDERS. Mr. President, I wish to pay tribute to an 
authentic hero, Michael Garafano, who died tragically in Rutland, VT on 
August 28, 2011, during Tropical Storm Irene.
  Michael Garafano was the water treatment and resource manager in the 
Rutland City Department of Public Works, a position he held since 1981. 
He was known by his coworkers as someone who always went above and 
beyond the call of duty, and his work ethic was second to none. He took 
his responsibilities of protecting the Rutland water supply very 
seriously. He was a model of a dedicated public servant.
  So it was not unusual that the night of August 28, as the heavy rains 
from Tropical Storm Irene started assaulting Rutland, Mr. Garafano, 
went to check on the city reservoir one more time, looking out for his 
fellow citizens as he had done so often, and so well, and with such 
dedication, over three decades. Tragically, his life was taken by the 
raging storm. Compounding his tragedy is another: Michael Garafano took 
his son Michael Jr. to check the city reservoir when he went out that 
night. Michael Garafano Jr. never returned from that journey and is 
still missing.
  Alan Shelvey, Rutland Commissioner of Public Works, said of Michael 
Garafano, ``He was doing what he always did--trying to make sure 
everything was right and the water supply was protected. We're going to 
miss him tremendously. He can't be replaced. People say that about 
people--in this case that's true.''
  Michael Garafano represented what is best about Vermont and about 
America: he worked hard and with great dedication, he loved his work, 
he cared about those who lived in the community where he lived. When 
there was a job to be done, a responsibility to be met, he responded 
with generosity and directness. He was the epitome of public service, 
and lost his life doing the job he cared so deeply about.
  Michael Garafano was devoted to his family, and he was a friend to 
many who knew they could count on him when they were most in need.
  It is people like Michael Garafano who make our communities and our 
entire Nation work and prosper, who make our cities and towns into 
communities and not just random groups of people. The State of Vermont 
grieves the loss of one of its unsung heroes.
  He will be sorely missed by his family, by the city of Rutland, and 
by the many people whose lives he touched and enriched.

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