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Community Corner

Woodbridge Chief of Police: Please be Patient

Chief says collaboration is key to cleanup and restoration of power

Woodbridge Police Chief Eugene Marcucci is urging residents who are growing increasingly frustrated in the aftermath of Irene to be patient a little while longer.

"People are losing their patience a tad and I can understand that. They're tired and they want to know when, when, when," he says. "We try to reassure them and whatever we can do for them, we try to do."

Marcucci says the UI Company has two liasons, Paul Rossi and Vinnie Lazzaro, working from police headquarters fielding calls and aiding in communication.

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"They are an absolute godsend," says Chief Eugene Marcucci. "The fire department has been absolutely invaluable, working with Public Works and the police department, and everything is running as smoothly as it possibly can. All of the departments are working in unison."

Marcucci admits it's difficult to know how to do this when it hasn't been done before, but says, "It's a tribute to our police, fire and Public Works hard work," to see the 75 roads that were closed Sunday evening due to downed trees and power lines reopening. 

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The UI liasons are in touch with the crews working to clear the roads and restore power. Each day, they go out to the job sites, and help prioritize what areas have to be cleaned.

"Try to be patient. We understand that you're frustrated, but they have crews here from all over the country--Canada, Missouri, Texas, Florida--and they're doing as best as they can," Marcucci says.

There are still a couple of areas throughout town where fire apparatus and emergency vehicles can't get through.

"Cars can make it through, but fire trucks and ambulances are not going to be able to do it," he says.

 

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