BUILDING SERVICE WORKERS AWARDS 2008

Good building workers do not usually get the credit they deserve. But last week they did. At our second annual salute to the Building Service Workers of the Year, legendary journalist Gabe Pressman led the tribute to the hardworking employees who have gone way beyond the call of duty.
Guests at the award ceremony celebrated Endri Brahimaj and Izet Neljkovic, who ran through a burning brownstone to rouse residents, and they reminisced about the life of Manuel Santana, a husband, father, music maven and beloved doorman at The Chesapeake, on East 94th Street. More than 200 New Yorkers submitted the names of building workers from all over the city to the contest. A panel of judges voted on winners in 15 categories. Their profiles appear in the following pages.
The Manhattan Media event was co-sponsored and hosted by Local 32BJ Service Employees International Union (SEIU), with support from Tishman Speyer, The Durst Organization, Vornado Realty Trust, Ogden Cap Properties, Cooper Square Realty and Stellar Management.
-Charlotte Eichna

LIFESAVER AWARD: Endri Brahimaj and Izet Neljkovic

EAST SIDE DOORMAN OF THE YEAR: James Gibbons

WEST SIDE DOORMAN OF THE YEAR: Carlos Pellecier

LOWER MANHATTAN DOORMAN OF THE YEAR: Pat Burns

POSTHUMOUS DOORMAN AWARD: Manuel Santana

BROOKLYN RESIDENTIAL BUILDING WORKER: Juan Cruz

BRONX RESIDENTIAL BUILDING WORKER: John Simion

QUEENS RESIDENTIAL BUILDING WORKER: Alonzo Toney

PUBLIC SCHOOL CLEANER: Sean Tonti

LOWER MANHATTAN OFFICE CLEANER: Safeta Djesevic

MIDTOWN OFFICE CLEANER: Ursula Szewc

SECURITY OFFICER: Frank Bellido

MANHATTAN INSTITUTIONAL BUILDING WORKER: Curtis Hill

SUPERINTENDENT: Moises Guimet

THIRTY YEAR AWARD: Bernard Speranza