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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PR- 213-05
June 3, 2005

MAYOR BLOOMBERG AND SANITATION COMMISSIONER DOHERTY RENAME GARAGE AFTER SANITATION WORKER WHO DIED IN THE LINE OF DUTY

Brooklyn District 18 Garage Will Now be known as "Keith Bridges Memorial Garage"

Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and Department of Sanitation (DSNY) Commissioner John J. Doherty today renamed DSNY's Brooklyn District 18 Garage after Sanitation Worker Keith Bridges, who died in the line of duty in November 2003.  Joining the Mayor at renaming and plaque unveiling were Charles and Mary Bridges, Keith's father and mother.

"Sanitation Workers are our City's unsung heroes and they rarely get the recognition they deserve," said Mayor Bloomberg.  "Keith Bridges was one of the thousands of men and women of the DSNY who everyday perform physically demanding and dangerous jobs that are essential to maintaining our quality of life.  Today, New York's streets are cleaner than ever and it is because of the hard work and dedication of people like Keith.  I am proud that we are naming this garage after this dedicated public servant who died while serving the City he loved and the community where he grew up, went to school and worked."

"By naming this garage after Keith, we remember one of New York's Strongest who lost his life serving this great City," said Commissioner Doherty.  Sanitation Worker Bridges was not with us long; however he had a significant impact on his colleagues and was described as 'a very happy guy and a hard worker who enjoyed life.'  Although this dedication is a festive occasion, it reminds us that sanitation work is dangerous work and that safety is a key factor.  We thank the Bridges family for allowing us to honor their son and the Department's friend."

Sanitation Worker Keith Bridges was 31 and a life-long Brooklyn resident.  He was the co-captain and star of South Shore High School's football team in Carnasie.  He joined the Department in April 2001 and was assigned to the Brooklyn District 18 Garage.  On November 29, 2003, the truck he was driving collided with another DSNY truck causing severe injuries that eventually took his life. 

Brooklyn District 18 Garage was built in 1991 and is home to 161 employees who operate 56 collection trucks and scores of mechanical brooms, dump trucks, and salt spreaders.  Brooklyn District 18 serves the communities of Canarsie, Bergen Beach, Marine Park, Mill Basin and Flatlands.







MEDIA CONTACT:


Edward Skyler / Jordan Barowitz   (212) 788-2958

Vito Turso   (Sanitation)
(646) 885-5020




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