PEF honors its Ground Zero heroes

PEF honored hundreds of its members at a November reception and dinner in New York City, recognizing them for volunteering in recovery, counseling and other efforts in response to the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center.

PEF President Roger Benson presented a medallion to each of the nearly 700 PEF members — including nurses, doctors, counselors, engineers, volunteer firefighters and emergency service personnel who volunteered at Ground Zero.

“It must have been very devastating and heartbreaking, but PEF members from across New York State responded,” Benson said. “It didn’t matter whether, or not, they lived in New York City. They just felt it was their duty to go to Ground Zero and help in whatever way they could, not just for a few days, but weeks at a time.

“These members did extraordinary things. September 11 was one of the worst events ever and it brought out the best in our members,” he said.

Many of these members left their families, volunteered and used personal time to travel to the recovery site to lend a hand. Several stayed for weeks to help.

“In every state agency, PEF members such as these serve the public every day,” said PEF Vice President Patricia Baker, who organized the ceremony. “Our members are unselfish and giving people who care about New York, our citizens, their jobs and what they do.”

The medallions — with the twin towers and a helping hand on one side, and the words “with appreciation, gratitude, honor, and respect,” on the other — were designed by union staff and were presented in engraved jewelry boxes. — Denyce Duncan Lacy

HEROES WELCOME — (Above) Alan Schulkin, Jennifer Faucher and Pat Baker hand out medallions to PEF’s Ground Zero heroes. — Photos by Bill Sachs



TAKE A BOW — (Left) Norman Bumgardner, Suzan Kornbluth and Lynn Sklamberg are among hundreds of members honored by PEF at the November event. — Photo by Bill Sachs

SPECIAL HONOREE — (Right) PEF President Roger Benson presents Dr. Annie B. Martin with the PEF Humanitarian Award. — Photo by Bill Sachs

COMMUNICATOR HOMEPAGE
Inside This Issue:
Features
Ad blitz aims to save jobs, services
Pataki eyes budget cuts
ERI savings slim pickings for state
Bill outlaws discrimination is now law
Leaders open PS&T contract talks
PEF honors its Ground Zero heroes

Departments
President's Message: Budget balancing act
You Said It: Member's letters this month
Health & Safety: Smallpox vaccine concerns
Member Mobilization:Organization is key
Nurses' Station: Lobby Day plans for May
Health Notes: Empire Plan number reaches all
Retirees In Action: Losing ground financially
PEF Membership Benefits Program & Travel Corp

Union Matters
Worker's Rights
Reg. 8 brings holiday cheer
State promises Rx for docs’ pension-credit snafu
They got the 'write stuff': • Furlani • Wilcox
AED training provides statewide life support
PEF, Black Caucus plan receptions
Apply May 1 for Jean DeBow scholarship
PEF magazine, TV ad win big
2003 Election Rules Dates, Rules, Requirements

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