ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Monroe County is thanking local first responders who spent the Christmas holiday helping people who were buried by the deadly blizzard in Western New York.

On Thursday, County Executive Adam Bello recognized more than 200 individuals from Monroe County, the city of Rochester, town highway departments, police, fire and EMS agencies who assisted in the storm recovery effort in Erie County. 

"Over the Christmas holiday, you left your homes and your families to help others," said Bello. "You worked 12-hour shifts clearing snow doing rescue operations helping trapped motorists, you uncovered snow-covered furnace exhausts to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning."

Several agencies from the Rochester area cleared hundreds of Buffalo streets and worked to help people trapped in their homes while ambulance and fire crews responded to emergency calls. More than 30 pieces of heavy equipment were sent west to assist with snow removal.

“I could not be more proud of the workers from Rochester, Monroe County, our neighboring towns and villages and government agencies from across New York state who responded to the tragic and historic blizzard in Buffalo to provide critical assistance,” said Rochester Mayor Malik Evans. “Their selfless sense of service in the face of harsh and deadly conditions was truly awe-inspiring.” 

“We once again want to thank County Executive Bello for providing assistance as we dealt with what was an unprecedented situation,” said Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz. “The individuals who assisted us last month were immediately involved in hands-on activities throughout the county wherever they were needed.”