WILLISTON, Vt. -
Eleven members of the Vermont State Police are getting back to their regular job after having spent almost a week in New Jersey.
That was part of the area damaged by Superstorm Sandy about two-weeks ago.
"Seeing images before we even went down there of some of the areas that were affected, you just really didn't understand the whole scope until you were right in it," says Lt. John Flannigan, Vermont State Police.
Flannigan was part of a crew of eleven from state police that left Vermont more than a week ago. The call had come that first responders in Jersey needed help.
"To give those agencies a break that had been working, throughout the week before, very long hours," says Flannigan.
For six-days, the Vermonters worked during the night to patrol destroyed neighborhoods, watch for looters, and provide a little comfort for those weary from the storm. The troopers returned to Vermont on Sunday. They had a day off and then it was back to the regular schedule.
For Flannigan, who vacationed on the Jersey Shore, he's not sure the area will ever be the same. But he says he was inspired by the outpouring of support and the spirit of the people there.
"Many of them had a very positive outlook: our families are safe and we'll get through this and we'll rebuild," says Flannigan.
Flannigan says there were no major problems, including with looting. He says as of right now there are no plans for other troopers to travel south.
