Local heroes recognized for their assistance during the Paterson water crisis
PATERSON, New Jersey -- A water emergency in Paterson caused thousands of residents to be without service for more than a week.
While workers did all that they could to fix the issue, others stepped up and made sure those who needed water the most had it.
The real heroes of the recent Paterson water crisis were recognized on Monday for stepping up when the city was reeling after a 30-inch main ruptured and left most of the water supply nonexistent.
Mature Sisters provided portable showers for city residents.
"We appreciate being chosen and we will be ready, willing and able if it should happen again to serve in any capacity that we can," Sharonda Roberts of Mature Sisters said.
Other organizations were honored for providing water at a time when temperatures were soaring.
"On day one, it started with a U-Haul truck and four friends and one pallet of water. And that led to 15,000 gallons of water," Michael Ramaglia said.
It was a total team effort between the local leaders, city leaders and private businesses.
"We feel like anything can hit this city and city government and the private sector can band together and accomplish anything," Victor Frierson said.
Everyone rallied to make sure the sick and shut-in were not forgotten.
"We do have a community outreach plan and we believe in giving back to the communities that we serve," Jason Peters with Paul Davis Restoration said.
It took a village to help 170,000 people survive a water emergency during last month's heatwave.
"What we do on the regular is help the homeless, so it was easy to help our citizens," Richard Clarke, of Mature Sisters, said.
They credit the volunteers for helping residents during a period of uncertainty as the water crisis dragged on for days before the boil water emergency was lifted.
"This shows the community cares, that they're not just going to criticize or complain, they come together for solutions and demonstrate solidarity in a very trying time," Andre Sayegh, mayor of Paterson, said.
City leaders said they can count on their local assistance in the next crisis.
* Get Eyewitness News Delivered
* Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts
Submit a tip or story idea to Eyewitness News
Have a breaking news tip or an idea for a story we should cover? Send it to Eyewitness News using the form below. If attaching a video or photo, terms of use apply.
