Building Service Workers Nominations 2011
Preparing for the Worst
Abdul Kaid’s job is to protect the residents of the 35-story office building where he works
Abdul Kaid, 44, the building fire safety and emergency action plan director for 1350 Sixth Avenue, has to be prepared in case of the worst.
The Yemen native, who moved to the states in 1984, oversees all safety complaints for the 35-story office building, including making sure that the office’s residents are ready for everything from fires to manmade threats to natural disasters.
“It’s a big responsibility and I like the challenge of it,” he said. “No matter what the situation, I can’t show any signs of panic. The people here expect me to stay calm and guide them to safety in case something unexpected happens.” Read more
Trading Recklessness for God and Longevity
Abram makes sure that workers have clear view of famous skyline
By Patrick Wall
In his sermons, Marvin Abram is fond of saying that he’s closer to God than most folks.
Churchgoers who know the pastor’s day job understand: Monday through Friday, Abram is a window cleaner in the Financial District and Midtown, where he’s been shining part of the world’s most famous skyline since he was 22 years old. Read more
Stadium Cleaner Meets the World at the Garden
Dominguez rubs shoulders with celebrities and keeps famous Event Center running
Rosa Dominguez, 50, has done it all in her 17 years as a stadium cleaner at Madison Square Garden. She has been a custodian and an elevator operator, vacuumed the floors of the famous event center and hobnobbed with musicians such as Jay Z, Shakira and sports legends like Mohammad Ali. Read more
Head Porter Has Wicked Job
Crawford makes sure that the show goes on
Kirth Crawford was getting off the subway 13 years ago when a gust of wind blew his newspaper out of his hand and open to the classified section.
“I saw that Disney was hiring, so I called them and went in for an interview,” said Crawford, 40.
Crawford began by selling T-shirts for the Disney production of Aida at the Palace Theatre and eventually started filling in for housekeeping porters. Crawford moved to the Gershwin Theatre when Wicked opened seven years ago. Two years after he started working at the Gershwin, Crawford was promoted to head porter. Read more
Building’s ‘Front of the House’ Also a Weatherman
A doorman who knows everyone’s name
One day, Carol Giordano struggled against a robust wind.
“I’m disabled,” she said. “I walk with a cane. I had papers in my hand. Of course they flew everywhere.”
Enter Louis Rios, 59, doorman since 1974, and all-around Good Samaritan.
“There he was,” said Giordano. “Running after the papers. I didn’t expect it. It was so kind.” Read more
Dominican finds friends and celebration at Yeshiva
Key for Taveras’ success comes in support from his family
For security guard Louis Taveras, a day’s work would not be complete without the support of his family. Taveras, a 32-year-old resident of West Harlem, is married with two children and gives his family much credit and appreciation for receiving this award.
“Sometimes it’s not enough that you be committed to do things. You have to put your whole family into it,” he said. “You try to sit down with your family and your wife to try to push them to support you in whatever you’re doing—and I think that’s the key for it.” Read more
Organizer Keeps City Supervisors Off-Guard
HPD security guard earns love but some ‘hate’ for his union successes
At 48 years old, Chaitu Heamenchal is a husband, father and a man with a passion for organizing. In 2001 he began working as a security officer at the office of Housing Preservation and Development on Gold Street. When he started at HPD, the 35 security officers he worked with had no union and very few benefits. Read more
Union Rep Makes Sure Guards Are Secure, Too
To Herbert, patience and friendliness are top virtues
When it comes to doing her job well, Bettina Herbert believes patience is important. The St. Kitts native works as a security guard for Allied Barton at 75 Rockefeller Plaza. Dealing with people who are in a rush is part of the job description. She tells her coworkers that being patient and friendly are important. Read more
Yankees Fan Is Pitch-Perfect Doorman
Residents bonded with beloved worker Greene during battle with cancer
After the Yankees won the pennant last October, Harlem resident James Greene III, 51, wore his favorite team’s hat and uniform. The Derek Jeter fan has worked at the Langston, at 68 Bradhurst Avenue, for the past five years, first as security during construction of the building, then for the last three years as the head doorman. Read more
