Staff Sgt. Todd J. "T.J." Lobraico Jr. 105th Airlift Wing of the New York ANG

[JetPhoto 626]

Staff Sgt. Todd J. "T.J." Lobraico Jr. 105th Airlift Wing of the New York ANG

Killed last week while fighting the war on terror was brought home today. He arrived at Stewart Air Base where a ceremony was held and then he was escorted to New Fairfield Ct where he will be laid to rest. Along his trip from the airport down Rt 17K to Route 300 to I-84 he was proudly honored by many Fire, Police, & EMS agencies along the way.

I stood with my department and with the following fire departments that were at the Toll Plaza, Beacon, Beekman, Castle Point, Chelsea, Dover, Dutchess Junction, Fishkill, Glenham, Hughsonville, New Hamburg, Roosevelt, Beacon Vol. Amb. town of Fishkill police, village of Wappinger Falls PD, NYSP.

It was an honor to do so and it was nice to hear of the other departments that did the same.

[X2321 133]

Some photos as Staff Sgt. Todd Lobraico's motorcade travels along I-84 in Putnam.

http://www.lohud.com/apps/pbcs.dll/gallery?Avis=BH&Dato=20130911&Kategori=NEWS&Lopenr=309110095&Ref=PH

[SageVigiles 1,194]

I went to New Fairfield High School with Staff Sergeant Lobraico. He graduated in 2008, a year behind me. We weren't very close, but I definitely knew who he was and vice versa. SSG Lobraico was a member of USAF Security Forces, their version of Military Police. Both of TJ's parents are US Air Force, and his father is a Police Officer with the City of Stamford. TJ had hoped to follow in his fathers footsteps and become a Police Officer upon his return.

Tuesday night I got a call from Deputy Chief Bernie Meehan of Danbury FD. DC Meehan knows I went to NFHS with TJ, and he wanted to invite me to ride with him as the convoy welcomed TJ home to Connecticut. New York State Police lead the convoy to the State Line and handed off the lead position to the Connecticut State Police. Danbury Fire, Danbury Police, Danbury Police Explorers and Western CT State University Police made sure the path was clear through the city to Cornell Funeral Home. I don't think I've ever seen so many police cars on the highway or snaking through the streets of Danbury before.

I must say this was one of the most powerful experiences of my life, TJ definitely got the Hero's welcome he deserves, I just wish it would have been under different circumstances. I could never thank DC Meehan enough for the opportunity to be a part of this. Anyone who thinks the Brotherhood is dead has never met Bernie Meehan, this guy "gets it."

Here are a few of my shots from yesterday's convoy.

Danbury Squad 1, Car 30 and CT State Police at the Exit 1 on ramp.

Danbury Engine 26 at the Kenosia Ave. overpass.

Edited September 12, 2013 by SageVigiles

[firemoose827 324]

Rest In Peace brother, it was good to see you had a warm welcome home fit for the hero you are. Thoughts and prayers to his family and friends in their time of need.

[ex-commish 490]

Rest in peace

[hudson144 150]

I was at the ceremony for TJ at Stewart AFB, a well attended ceremony and well organized. I didn't know Todd but I knew both his mom n dad from Stewart. God bless TJ and his family and friends as well as the 105th Security Squadron!

[JackEMT 77]

What a great honor. I hope he knew how much his service was appreciated and respected.

[JetPhoto 626]

Photo of Firefighter at the Newburgh-Beacon Toll Plaza. The police & ambulance crews did not make this photo..

Photo from http://www.dawnsela.com/