Senator Kerry and Governor Patrick in Springdield yesterday

[Mass]

http://www.masslive.com/news/index.ssf/2011/06/in_wake_of_tornadoes_local_cre.html

SPRINGFIELD - Western Massachusetts will be receiving help from state and federal agencies as local crews work tirelessly in the wake of the tornadoes that devastated much of the area Wednesday.
At a press conference held at the city's Emergency Preparedness Center on Carew Street Wednesday evening, local officials were joined by Gov. Deval Patrick and Sen. John Kerry, who both assured Western Massachusetts that help in on the streets and more is on the way.
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Sen. Kerry expressed his condolences to the families affected and assured that the victims will be served by a "unified response."
"When I first talked to the governor, he was in the bunker in Framingham and he was with officials from the Federal Emergency Management Administration. Emergency teams have been activated and are on their way from Framingham and Vermont” Sen Kerry said. “With 19 communities affected, given what we're hearing about the damage, I can't imagine that we will not be receiving federal assistance. I'm confident that assessment will be made in record time so we can help the community bounce back."
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Sen. Kerry said that Congressman Richard Neal will be arriving in the area Thursday morning as they along with Gov. Patrick and local officials work to assess the damage.
Sarno said he will not "spare a dime" from the city's budget to make sure the City of Firsts bounces back from this disaster.
"This has been a trying time but also a time of coordination and heroic efforts. We are all in this together," Sarno said. "I give you my word, the city of Springfield is resolute and we will move forward with rebuilding this city. Many a times in adversity, that's when character shines. Springfield is full of character."
Sen. Kerry said he has seen similar natural disasters across the country and that the response from agencies across Western Massachusetts has been among the best.
"The response has been coordinated and impressive. My sense is that everything that can be done is being done right now," Sen. Kerry said. "This is probably a once in a hundred years weather event and we've been hit with these across the county. I'm confident with the response I've seen tonight."