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Port Authority Police In Boston To Assist First Responders After Marathon Bombings

BOSTON (CBSNewYork) -- As the investigation into the bombings at the Boston Marathon continues, a contingent of police officers from New York and New Jersey have descended on the city to assist first responders.

A handwritten sign on a barricade at Boylston Street reads: "Boston Is A Tough And Resilient Town." Next to it is a Port Authority PBA trailer.

"We are providing relief to the Boston PBA, Boston police officers, firemen," officer Brett Porigow told WCBS 880's Alex Silverman.

PAPD Officers In Boston Offering Support

The group of PAPD officers in Boston said they are returning a 12-year-old favor.

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"What was done for us, our agency, after 9/11 when we lost 37 officers," Porigow told Silverman.

The officers have coffee and are offering any support they can as Boston authorities deal with the aftermath of Monday's fatal bombings.

"For us, it's a little bit of tribute and, again, paying it forward," said Porigow.

Meanwhile, many Bostonians are trying to get back to normal.

"I wanted to be at work. I wasn't at work on Monday and I really wanted to be there to help," one woman told Silverman.

Bostonians Keep Living Their Lives

At a transit station just blocks from the bombings, members of the National Guard were peering into bags.

"It becomes a necessary part of the day. So, I understand what they're doing here," one rider said.

All said the thought of staying home from work didn't even occur to them.

"Boston is a strong town and we'll get through this and just like New York, we'll come through it, too," said another.

A sign on a metal barricade says "Keep on running Boston."

Three people, including an 8-year-old boy, were killed when two bombs went off near the finish line of the marathon on Monday afternoon. More than 170 people were injured.

As of Wednesday, no arrests had been made, but authorities had identified a potential suspect from video taken before the blasts, CBS News' Bob Orr reported.

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