I am deeply saddened by the loss of U.S. Naval Academy student and Rockaway Beach resident Justin Zemser in last night’s train derailment. In his short life, Justin served as an inspiration to all our families in Rockaway and exemplified the very best our community has to offer. As a lifelong resident of Rockaway, I feel proud to have been a neighbor to this true American hero. Our families have faced such great hardship in recent years following Superstorm Sandy and it is through the service and leadership of young men and women like Justin that we managed to come together in our recovery.

As a father of two young children, my heart goes out to the Zemser family at the loss of their only son. I extend my most sincere condolences to them during this time of unimaginable pain.

(YWN Desk – NYC)