Chief Diggins began his career in 1982 as a Sanitation Worker assigned to Brooklyn North District 2 Garage, serving Fort Greene and Brooklyn Heights.  He was promoted to Supervisor in 1987 and was assigned as Garage Supervisor of Brooklyn North District 1 Garage. 

In 1989, he transferred to the former Edgemere Landfill on the Rockaway peninsula in Queens, beginning his career in the Bureau of Waste Disposal. Upon promotion to General Superintendent in 1991, he was assigned to the former Fresh Kills Landfill, where he rose through the ranks to become Director of Fresh Kills in February 2002.

In May 2006, he was reassigned to headquarters, promoted to Chief and named Deputy Director of the Bureau of Waste Disposal under Chief Mucci. In the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center, he was assigned to work with the NYPD and FBI, he assumed responsibility for DSNY’s role in the forensic recovery effort until it’s completion in July 2002.

He holds certifications in FEMA Debris Management, the Incident Command System, and Landfill Operator.  He is a 2001 graduate of the City’s Leadership Institute.  In 2007, he completed the Senior Executives in State and Local Government management course given at the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University.  Chief Diggins is also a proud charter member of the Department’s award-winning Emerald Society Pipe & Drum Band, having served as Pipe Major from 1996 to 2001.