On August 28, 2011, a tropical storm rained up to 11 inches of rain on Vermont. Seven people were killed, including the father and son of a Rutland resident who was swept away by the floods. Ten years later, many in the community still feel emotional, remembering that men have been given to the city.
“Good man”
Growing up, there was always a big mic and a small mic.
According to Tom Garofano, people have two Mickey in their family: Michael J. Garofano, 55, and his son, Michael G. Garofano, 24.
Little Mike was Tom’s baby brother. They had been separated for six years. Big Mike was Tom’s father. He has ruled the city of Rutland for 30 years.
“He was a good man,” said Tom. Group, joke. Ground type, he added, but well.
You pushed Tom to work harder, and you pushed him not to be so hard, ”said Tom. Whether they agree with me or not, many respect him.
Following in his father’s footsteps, Tom also works at the city’s water treatment plant. To his father, he said he was always overworked.
He is something – I think – I think – he will be your life.
Rutland’s drinking water comes from a large basin that feeds the nearby Mendon Brooke. The water from the river is treated and stored in a 90 million gallon storage system.
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Ten years ago, heavy rains flooded Mendon Banda’s banks. Neighbors say it sounds like a jet engine and looks like a Niagara alley.
As Tom recalls that day in 2011, rumors were circulating and things were changing rapidly. His father was told by the fire department that the entrance building could be washed or submerged. This was difficult because wastewater and sewage from nearby sewers could seep into the city’s drinking water.
Tom says that his father wanted to see for himself the condition of the receiver.
Because at the end of the day, it’s his responsibility – the whole system.
More from Brave Little State– Tropical Hurricane Irene, 10 years later
“I Can’t Believe It”
People who know Mike Garofano say that his wife, Sally, and his three sons thought of everything. The young Mike was close to his family, who could explain why he was with his father that day.
“You just do things together,” explains Tom. “My little brother used to live at home, so ‘Oh, Dad, are you going to drive? I’m going with you.'”
Dick Kilber saw two garafanoes that day. He lived near Minon Banda and was shocked by the power of the water and how loud it was.
“I couldn’t believe it,” he said. Trees, stones, rocks.
Kilber knew Mike Garofano well and walked with his father and son as they examined the damage. He returned home shortly before his death.
Despite the noise and the devastation, Kilbert said he was not afraid to watch the water with the Garofano.
“I was not afraid. And I know Mike has no fear, “If Mike were afraid of where he stood, he wouldn’t be there.”
No one knows for sure what happened next.
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After examining the situation with the dogs, Tom Garrofano said the state police told him that his father and brother were standing on the safe ground.
“We were about 200 feet[200 m]from the right entrance,” said Tom.
But he says the ground was sandy. And it is raining. He will fall under both men.
The body of Elder Mike Garofano was found the next day. But it took officials more than three weeks to find the young Mike.
“What we remember”
John Ojala, general manager of the Proctor Pittsford Country Club, said everyone at the club was shocked by the accident.
“I still didn’t believe it until they found it,” said Ajala. It was very sad.
Junior Mike Garofano worked on the golf course for eight years. Ojala, 24, loved nature and studied horticulture at Vermont Technical College.
Kirk Abrahamson, the course supervisor, hoped that one day Mike would take over.
“If you know Mike, he has touched you,” Abrahamson said.
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Abrahamson coached Garofano’s three boys in high school football. He says Mike was hardworking, kind, sincere, and childish.
“I still have it – I like to call ’em Mikey Moments’,” he said. He was a great boy. I don’t let a lot of people in, you know, and I learned a lot from him as a coach and after that. ”
Abrahamson says the tragedy for the Garofano family is more tragic than what happened to Ironi in the wake of the death of their middle son, Robbie, 16 months ago.
Abrahamson closed his eyes and went to the golf course where young Mike Garofano had his fingerprints. The flower garden near well 10 is decorated in yellow and blue.
“My mom makes all the flowers,” said Abrahamson. She comes here every spring.
In front of all the flowers is a white marble bench with a mic.
“I always sit here,” Abrahamson said. “Have a bad day? It is a beautiful place to prepare. ”
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Vivian and George Gulick did not know Mike Garafan or his son. But not long after the couple’s death, a couple living in Mendon Banda say they care deeply about them.
“And every time we talk about Irene, we remember that,” said Vivian. Yes, the roads have collapsed. And it was horrible, and the tombs were flooded. And the people had no water. And our children had to walk in the woods to go to school. And not to minimize everything else that has happened. But Irene, which always happens to us, means father and son have lost their lives.
We don’t always appreciate the public service that makes our cities and towns work in Vermont, says George. Now we do.
Do you have questions, comments or suggestions? Send us a message or contact Reporter Nina Cake @NinaPKeck.