The ensuing clean-up efforts following the May 15 storm with tornado-like winds that tore through the region prompted a plaque of thanks to town departments from Cedarhurst residents.

The lakeside neighborhood in Newtown was one of the worst hit and a focus of Public Works Department personnel.

“They were the first area started and the last finished,” said department Director Fred Hurley. “We did not finish cleaning up until well into July.”

His employees worked alongside private contractors to cut trees, haul wood, and clean up debris, Mr Hurley said. The work was “beyond typical tree clearing. Crews were involved for almost two months.” He commented, “Our primary work was clearing roads and right-of-ways to make them safe. We had piles of trees, and that was dangerous.”

The only thing his crews did not do was handle large trees that required special attention, Mr Hurley said.

Work took place “only in daylight, because it’s dangerous. Loads can shift,” he said.

No one was injured. “That’s a case of people who are trained, use proper equipment, and use proper safety procedures,” Mr Hurley said.

The big job now facing the town is to chop up storm debris and remove debris now piled at the transfer station.

“We want FEMA to certify the size of the load, go out to bid, and find out what it will cost,” said Mr Hurley. FEMA will reimburse at a rate of 75 percent

Cedarhurst Association members thanked town police and public works staff for going above and beyond for an area damaged more than any other part of town. Association members presented a plaque of thanks on Wednesday, September 5, at the Newtown Municipal Center.