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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PR- 060-04
March 15, 2004

MAYOR MICHAEL R. BLOOMBERG SIGNS LEGISLATION GRANTING HEALTH BENEFITS TO FAMILIES OF CITY EMPLOYEES WHO DIED IN THE LINE OF DUTY

Remarks by Mayor Bloomberg at a Public Hearing on Local Law

"The bill before me today is Introductory Number 6, sponsored at my request by the Chair of the Civil Service and Labor Committee, Council Member Joseph Addabbo.  Introductory No. 6 will provide health insurance coverage for certain surviving spouses, domestic partners and children of deceased uniformed correctional and sanitation employees who die as a result of an accident or an injury sustained in the line of duty on or after November 1, 1996 to January 27, 2004.

"This legislation was introduced in direct response to the tragic events that befell veteran sanitation workers Michael Gennardo and Eva Barrientos.

"The untimely death of Sanitation District Superintendent Michael Gennardo was the result of gunshot wounds inflicted by an unknown assailant on August 4, 2001, in the Department of Sanitation's Brooklyn South 16 garage.  Superintendent Gennardo was a dedicated employee and a 31-year veteran of the Department.  Michael Gennardo is survived by his wife and three children.

"This legislation will also afford the children of Ms. Eva Barrientos health insurance coverage.  Sadly, on January 26, 2004, sanitation worker Eva Barrientos was operating a front-loading EZ Pak collection truck, when a refuse bag became lodged in the hopper door. In an attempt to dislodge the refuse bag, Eva Barrientos climbed on top of the collection truck where she was pinned against the cab by one of the mechanical arms and suffered fatal chest injuries.  Eva. Barrientos was 41 years old and a 9-year veteran of the Department.

"It is my hope that this legislation will show the City's gratitude for the dedication exemplified by Eva Barrientos and Michael Gennardo in carrying out their duties.

"I want to recognize and extend my deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Michael Gennardo and Eva Barrientos.  I would also like to thank Council Member Addabbo, Commissioner Doherty, the Department's legal staff Andrea Ciccone and Madelynn Liguori and Judie Saunders of City Legislative Affairs for their work and assistance on this legislation."







MEDIA CONTACT:


Edward Skyler / Jordan Barowitz   (212) 788-2958




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