Medals of Excellence for NYC Transit Employees

A ceremony at NYC Transit headquarters highlighted the efforts of 38 employees who selflessly came to the aid of customers and fellow workers during times of need, or distinguished themselves on a consistent basis as they went about their normal duties.

Medals and commendations were awarded for specific acts of bravery and quick responses to situations that resulted in danger to others, as well as stand-out efforts during day-to-day operations.

An off-duty bus operator saves a child who has fallen from an apartment widow; track workers stop a rape; a train operator and conductor confront and stop a man intent on pouring gasoline on the floor of a subway car; a Brooklyn bus operator who is well-known and loved by his customers -- some of these acts have already received recognition in the press while others are now becoming widely known through this forum.

“I am extremely proud but not surprised by the actions of these MTA employees," said NYC Transit President Thomas F. Prendergast, offering congratulations to Transit workers for their quick-thinking and fast action in rendering assistance to those in need, as well as those who received recognition for outstanding efforts. “Throughout my two tours at Transit, as well as my time at the Long Island Rail Road, the thing that has impressed me most is the level of effort MTA employees are willing to put forth in order to protect our customers and co-workers and the pride they have in the performance of their jobs.”

Each year, awards are presented in three areas: Heroism -- for employees who perform specific acts of bravery on or off-duty in the face of extremely dangerous circumstances which easily could have resulted in personal injury or death. Commendations -- for job-related acts involving personal risk, or requiring exceptionally good judgment. The employee’s decisions and subsequent actions indicate that, without quick thinking and corrective measures, highly undesirable and dire consequences could have resulted. Distinguished Service -- commendations go to employees who have demonstrated outstanding efficiency that reflects the highest standards and ideals of a dedicated public employee.

“This is actually one of my favorite things to do, because there’s simply nothing better than celebrating the bravery of members of the MTA New York City Transit family, said NYC Transit Executive Vice President Robert Bergen, who hosted the event. “And not only that: We don’t often get a chance to acknowledge the work they do every day to move 8.5 million people. Today, however, is about employees who went beyond their daily duties. It’s about employees who risked their lives to save others and employees who made a difference.”

The acts that earned accolade for these employees were viewed as “nothing special” by award recipients but are indicative of the longstanding tradition of NYC Transit employees coming to the rescue when they notice someone in a potentially dangerous situation.

Nominations for potential honorees were sent to our Employee Recognition Program Committee, which selected the honored employees that met the committee’s criteria in the above mentioned categories.

Honorees:

Heroism (2 Awards; 3 Recipients)

Distinguished Service (2 Awards; 2 Recipients)

Commendation (15 Awards; 33 Recipients)