Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and the Department of Sanitation (DSNY) today administered the Oaths of Office to 188 new Sanitation Workers and 75 new enforcement agents.  The Mayor and Sanitation Department also awarded Medals of Valor to 13 employees for acts of bravery and distinguished service, and swore in 102 newly promoted supervisory personnel to the ranks of General Superintendent and Sanitation Supervisor. The ceremony was held at the Center for the Performing Arts at Brooklyn College.

"I would like to congratulate the 188 new Sanitation Workers and 75 enforcement agents," said Mayor Bloomberg.  "Your Herculean effort in collecting thousands of tons of daily residential trash, cleaning our streets, and plowing snow from our 6,300 miles of roads earns you the title 'New York's Strongest.'  Your commitment to New York City has made it one of the cleanest, healthiest, and safest cities in the world."

"It is with great pleasure that I welcome the new sanitation workers and enforcement agents to New York's Strongest," said Commissioner Doherty.  "We are a family that takes great pride in the services we provide and are proud to be a part of an agency with a tradition of excellence.  We take this time to recognize our past accomplishments by elevating 102 deserving individuals and recognizing meritorious acts of bravery as we continuously look forward and strive to pursue our future goals.

The Department recognized 96 employees for outstanding service to the Department and the City and presented medals to 13 employees for bravery.  The following employees were singled out for special recognition: 

Gold Medal of Honor Winners

On October 19, 2004, while collecting refuse in Brooklyn, Sanitation Workers Ralph Cimmino and John Talmadge saw a van hit a young girl who was crossing an intersection, pinning her under the van's wheels.  The crew ran across the street to the accident site and together they lifted the front end of the van off the girl enabling paramedics from the local ambulance service to pull her out safely and administer medical attention.   

Silver Medal of Honor Winners

On May 2, 2005, while collecting recyclables, Sanitation Worker Ian Fatchell saw a man snatch a purse from a young woman.  He chased and tackled the assailant who unfortunately was able to get away in a vehicle driven by an accomplice.  Justice prevailed though when his partner Sanitation Worker Claudio Madino, identified the assailant in a line-up at the 9th Precinct in Manhattan and testified in court against him.

On January 29, 2003, while collecting refuse in Brooklyn, Sanitation Workers Salvatore Motto and Francisco Dorta assisted the New York City Fire Department in stretching the hose to a hydrant that was not frozen so that a residential building fire could be extinguished.  They also guided people to safety from nearby buildings.

Bronze Medal of Honor Winners

On November 16, 2004, Sanitation Police Officers Edward Aviles and Julius Ingram observed an out-of-state vehicle hit an elderly pedestrian crossing an intersection in the Bronx.  When the driver did not stop, the Officers pursued the driver, pulled him over a block away, and arrested him for leaving the scene of the accident. 

On January 5, 2005, Sanitation Police Officers Alan Delmar and Richard Delardi stopped a truck that was billowing large plumes of black smoke from its exhaust.  The driver was unable to produce identification.  Upon further investigation, they discovered the driver had nine license suspensions on five different occasions.  When the Officers took the driver to the nearby precinct to be positively identified, NYPD officers found three bags of cocaine that the driver was hiding.  Once the driver's identification was confirmed it was found that he had served time for murder/manslaughter and was wanted by detectives for questioning in connection with other homicides.

On November 17, 2004, Senior Auto Service Worker Naresh Manbodh was stopped behind a vehicle at a traffic signal but when the light turned green, the first vehicle did not move.  After waiting a moment, Mr. Manbodh drove around the vehicle to find the driver slumped over the wheel.  Mr. Manbodh called 911 who instructed him to break the window. After breaking the window, he remained on site providing comfort until EMS and police arrived and revived the driver.

Distinguished Service Certificate Winner

On July 12, 2004, Supervisor of Mechanics Rich Franco experienced chest pains. At 4 A.M. the pains worsened and Supervisor Franco called for Auto Mechanic Dave O'Neal, who was on duty.  Using his own initiative and not waiting for EMS, Mr. O'Neal quickly drove Mr. Franco to nearby St. Vincent's Hospital.  Mr. O'Neal telephoned ahead to the hospital alerting them of Mr. Franco's deteriorating condition.  Unknown to both gentlemen was that Mr. Franco was experiencing the first of two major heart attacks.  Mr. Franco was admitted and underwent an immediate emergency procedure.

There was also a special presentation recognizing those members of the DSNY who have returned from military service.  The 44 Sanitation employees, ranging in all ranks and titles, were honored for their unselfish service to our country.