Mark Epstein, Chair of the Long Island Rail Road Commuter Council, statement on loss of LIRR family to COVID-19:
We were saddened to hear about the passing of James Houlihan, who had served with the Long Island Rail Road for almost 20 years. While more than 83 MTA workers have died since this terrible pandemic has ravaged our region, the first loss at the Rail Road hits home especially hard. Our sympathy and condolences go out to Mr. Houlihan’s friends, family and colleagues.
We also mourn the loss of former interim LIRR President Ray Kenny to COVID-19 earlier in April. He had a tremendous impact on the Rail Road and always had an open door for the Long Island Rail Road Commuter Council. We are honored to have worked with him. His knowledge and dedication to riders was apparent in everything he did. His family is in our thoughts.
We regular riders think of the LIRR family as our family and we appreciate that they continue to be there to serve essential workers and will be waiting for us when we return. We look forward to that day and regret that it will come with at this terrible expense.