25 Years of Enforcement
Sanit Agents Mark Silver Anniversary

By REUVEN BLAU

The Sanitation Department Aug. 3 marked the 25th anniversary of its Enforcement Agent Division by recognizing the unit's veteran officers and swearing in nine new agents. "When we were trying to put it together, we weren't sure how things were going to work out," Sanitation Commissioner John J. Doherty told the more-than 100 officers gathered in the department's lower Manhattan headquarters. "And I'm proud to say looking back 25 years and being here today, it's worked well."

The Chief-Leader/Adrienne Haywood-James IN THE BEGINNING: Sanitation Commissioner John J. Doherty, right, congratulates Lieut. Anthony DeFillippo, the longest-serving officer in the department's Enforcement Agent Division, who began his career in 1981. The department honored 13 other officers at a ceremony in lower Manhattan marking the 25th anniversary of the division.

'Unnoticed But Vital'

The unit was formed in 1981 to help enforce the city's Health and Sanitation codes and educate residents and business owners about their sanitation-related responsibilities. Officers in the division have the power to issue summonses.

Mayor Bloomberg, who did not attend the event, issued a proclamation declaring the date "Sanitation Enforcement Agent Day." He thanked the workers for their dedication and hard work. "Being a Sanitation Enforcement Agent at any rank is a job that goes unnoticed until our streets and sidewalks get dirtier and our expectation for a cleaner New York diminishes," he said in a statement.

Mr. Doherty also lauded the officers, noting that writing summonses each day is a difficult job. "It's not a job that we can do easily," he said, noting that he did similar work as an officer and superintendent.

Credits Everyday Work

He pointed out that over the years the department has become more proactive enforcing sanitation regulations. "It's a credit to watch you," he told the supervisors gathered at the event. "You're the bosses; you're the people that have to get it done each and every day. And sometimes that's more difficult than actually writing the summonses."

Sanitation Officers, he added, do more than look for waste violations while on duty. "When you are out on the street and you see something happening, you jump in and get involved and help a fellow New Yorker," he said. "I think that says a lot about what you do each and every day."

Lieut. Anthony DeFillippo was honored for his 25 years of service. He is the only officer from the first class still working for the city and is now in charge of training new recruits.

Took Job After Vietnam

Mr. DeFillippo, who currently works in Queens, said that he took the job after returning from service in Vietnam because "it was something new." He noted that he barely received any training when he first started working. "It was rough then," he recalled.

The job, he added, is "fantastic," and anyone interested should definitely apply. "It's a stepping stone to other city agencies," he said.

Lieut. Louis Pepe, who was part of the division's second class, said that he joined after his friend's father pointed him to a listing for the position in THE CHIEF-LEADER.

His colleagues are like family, he added. "The job really looks out for you," he remarked after the ceremony. "If you know how to present yourself, you can go a very long way."

'High-Tech Business Now'

During his address, Mr. Doherty noted that the department has begun to use computerized systems to write summonses. "You are getting into the new hightech business," he said.

The computerized system has helped prevent violators from arguing to dismiss their summonses based on technicalities such as illegible or smudged writing. It has also enhanced the city's record-keeping abilities.

The officers recognized for more than 20 years of service were: Capt. Robert Bolstad, Lieut. John Gordon, Lieut. Carlos Nieves, Sgt. Ishmael Lopez, and Sgt. Robert Tabon.

The agents honored for 20 years of work were: Capt. Blanche Riddick, Lieut. Andrea Dance, Lieut. Brenton Greenwood, Sgt. Vladimir Adushev, Sgt. Sheila Clark, Sgt. Barry Parker, and Sgt. Patricia Shaeffer.

"Hopefully, you'll be around a lot longer and help us all," Mr. Doherty said.