Remaining storm cleanup here is being completed by the Department of Public Works.
Munger Hill School custodians, from left, Jose Nieves, Kenneth A. Newell, and Russ C. Miller were honored Monday after the school opened following last week's devastating tornadoWESTFIELD – “It seemed like forever but it only lasted a few seconds,” Munger Hill School custodian Russell A. Miller said of last week’s tornado that ripped off a section of steel roof and left the schools grounds and many classrooms cluttered with debris.
Miller, along with fellow custodians Jose Nieves and Kenneth A. Newell were portrayed as “heroes” during a school assembly Monday marking a return to classes after Munger Hill School was closed last Thursday and Friday.
Miller and Nieves were staffing their regular work shift when the storm hit the school last Wednesday. It left two kindergarten classrooms unusable while an adjoining third classroom suffered only water damage.
A clock in Room 102 stopped working at 4:16 p.m. indicating the time the tornado touched down in Westfield. That clock is now being preserved by the custodians and school staff.
The assembly Monday morning was scheduled to provide assurance to its 376 students that they are safe and will complete the current school year on time. It was also called by Principal Carla Lussier to “recognize the work and dedication” of Miller, Nieves and Newell.
Newell, whose work shift ended at 2 p.m., returned to the school after hearing of the potential of a severe storm.
“This is our school. We care about it,” he said.
Nieves remembered that just before the storm hit “It became so dark you could not see. Then is about six seconds everything was very bright and there was debris everywhere,” he said.
Students had already left for the day at 3 p.m. but a few staff members and parents were inside the building planning for grade five graduation.
The three custodians received a standing ovation when acknowledged at the assembly.
Lussier told students “because of them we are safe and happy. There was not much damage but it was messy. We have to clean up the mess and we are now on an adventure.”
Mayor Daniel M. Knapik, who attended the assembly, praised the custodians for their actions as did city Emergency Management Director Jimmy D. Wiggs.
Wiggs said that in addition to the custodial staff, other staff members including cafeteria workers kept the building open and stocked with water and food for emergency workers and volunteers through the weekend. He estimated more than 100 volunteers assisted with cleanup in the Munger Hill School community Saturday and Sunday.
No serious injuries were reported in Westfield from the tornado that touched down in the southeastern corner of the city, eventually making its way to West Springfield, Springfield and Munson.
It left hundreds of customers with out electricity, numerous trees uprooted or snapped and several homes damaged.
Westfield Gas and Electric Department Superintendent Daniel Howard called the damage “unprecedented” Monday while commending the utility’s staff as well as area municipal utilities and private contractors for assistance in restoring electrical power to everyone within 48 hours.
Assisting WGED were Chicopee Electric Light, Holyoke Gas & Electric, Russell electric Light, South Hadley Electric Light, Asplundh Tree Experts, Kudlic Brothers Inc. and Thirau LLC.
“We are certainly humbled by the events of June 1,” Howard said.
Wiggs said the emergency situation following the EF-3 tornado on June 1 is now ended and remaining cleanup operations are under the direction of the Department of Public Works. Areas hit by the tornado here included Pontoosic and Knollwood Acres and Shaker Heights involving the streets of Pontoosic, Shaker Road, Falley Drive and Steiger Drive.