Heroes Emerge After Blizzard Hits

While the towns and the state continue to cleanup from a historic blizzard dumping two to three feet of snow, it’s important to recognize the determined heroes.

These folks are the snow plow drivers, utility workers restoring power, residents cleaning sidewalks, and neighbors and friends helping snow blow or shovel driveways. 

Barbara Terpe, of Ledyard, said that her next door neighbor helped plow the driveway belonging to a woman down the street so that her and her two kids could get out.

Additionally, municipal police, state police, EMS, and the National Guard have helped stranded motorists on roadways throughout the state.

Town leaders got behind the wheel of snow plows and picked up shovels to open up roads and driveways so residents could safely get out of their homes.

According to New London resident Katherine Goulart, one person stands out in her mind as going above and beyond, New London Mayor Daryl Finizio.

He was “shoveling people out, riding around with plow drivers and has been passing info along back and forth between Public Works and residents regarding safety concerns, plowing issues, etc. It seems like he’s using Facebook to his (and our) advantage. It’s a mess here, like it is everywhere, but he’s doing a great job of making us all feel informed and not forgotten about.”

His Facebook page states that he and a group of residents cleared Coit Street and dug out cars.

Also doing an excellent job of communicating with residents is Governor Dannel Malloy.

He has held numerous media briefings at the State Armory giving information about road conditions, safety tips, and power restoration efforts.

He and Lieutenant Governor Nancy Wyman have visited and talked with municipal leaders throughout the state to understand their concerns.

They have also visited regional shelters at East Lyme Middle School and Stonington High School where heat and food was provided for those who lost power during the storm.

Businesses that donated food to the East Lyme shelter included Guillano’s Bakery in Niantic and Flanders Fish Market and Restaurant.

Whether it’s a neighbor, public works department, business, mayor, or governor, many folks have stepped up to the plate in the Blizzard of 2013, also nicknamed Charlotte by WFSB Channel 3 and Nemo by The Weather Channel.

Whatever name you prefer, we can all agree it was one of the most powerful blizzards this region has seen in a long time.