FDNY Testing Unit Honored for Customer Service

Members of the FDNY Public Certification and Testing Unit. (L to R) Brenda McKiver, Estelle Priesel, Peter Carfagna, Cheryl Edwards, Elsa Araya and Steven Ertrachter.

Members of the FDNY Public Certification and Testing Unit received due praise on Oct. 8, during the Second Annual Mayor’s Excellence in Customer Service Awards Program at Brooklyn Borough Hall.

“These teams embody what we try to do every day, to get government to work for people,” said Deputy Mayor for Operations Edward Skyler. “It helps empower people and makes them proud to be New Yorkers.”

The FDNY Public Certification and Testing Unit, including Enzo Aloiso, Elsa Araya, Dorothy Banks, Novlette Barrett, Jo-Ann Blackwell, Cheryl Edwards, Shirley Edwards, Steven Ertrachter, Peter Carfagna, Kellie Childs, Akilah Jackman, Brenda McKiver, Centia Parish, Estelle Priesel and Juan Salazar, were acknowledged for their exemplary customer service in walk-in service delivery.

Mr. Ertrachter, Director of Public Certification and Education, also received an individual award for his efforts.

After the new Fire Code was released in 2008, the testing unit has had to work quickly to prepare tests and study materials for nine new tests. They also had to work closely with the test takers, helping people prepare for the exam.

“These awards are about taking those extra steps, going that extra mile,” said Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz. “You have had a great impact on New York City, you have shown you care.”