BERLIN – After spending 25 days deployed in Puerto Rico, Connecticut State Police Sgt. Alessandro “Alex” Giannone said the hurricane devastation is “unimaginable.”

“Even though it’s four months out, they still need help,” he said. “It’s a complete infrastructure rebuild.”

The Berlin resident and town councilor was one of 13 Connecticut State Troopers deployed to the island at the end of November to assist in recovery efforts after hurricanes Irma and Maria.

He witnessed metal roofs peeled back, traffic lights destroyed, lack of food, water and, most prominently, electricity.

“When we got there we realized how bad it was,” he said.

U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy, who returned from a two-day trip to the island with U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal to witness recovery efforts, expressed similar sentiments in an interview Thursday with the Record-Journal.

“If this were happening in the Continental United States, if we were in Connecticut 100 days after a hurricane and half the state didn’t have power, there would be riots in the street,” Murphy said.

With nearly half of the island still without power, the heat and humidity has kept many residents on the streets to keep cool during the day.

The troopers worked to keep residents hydrated and fed with supplies provided by FEMA.

In one instance, Giannone said he and troopers came across a mother and baby outside and gave them food and water. An elderly couple on the second floor of their home was also provided food and water in a basket sent up to their window.

Animals left behind or lost after the hurricanes were also assisted. Giannone helped a horse tied to a guardrail that was severely malnourished.

During traffic duties, Giannone said drivers would often give the troopers water and food.

“People were just so thankful to have us there,” he said.

Nearly all the troopers spoke Spanish, including Giannone. His initial deployment of 18 days was extended for another week, and Giannone returned home with fellow troopers a few days before Christmas.

“This is why you go into public service,” he said. “I definitely left a part of myself there.”

akus@record-journal.com

203-317-2448

Twitter: @KusReporter