For Transit Heroes, It's All Instinct and Training

When New York City Transit Telephone Maintainer Luc Dubuisson and Signal Specialist Emilio Caldarola rescued a baby who had fallen on the tracks at the Atlantic Ave. station on the L line in Brooklyn, they merely acted on "instinct and what you're trained to do," Mr. Caldarola said last week.

The Chief-Leader/Adrienne Haywood-James ACTING ON INSTINCTS: New York City Transit workers Luc Dubuisson (left) and Emilio Caldarola were honored Sept. 18 with medals for heroism for rescuing a baby who had fallen onto the tracks at the Atlantic Ave. station on the L line in January. Joining them are NYC Transit President Howard H. Roberts and Metropolitan Transportation Authority Chief of Staff Myrna Ramon.

The two were on duty Jan. 30 when they heard a woman screaming that a baby had fallen on the tracks.

"You kind of just act," Mr. Caldarola said, noting that workers are trained in how to rescue passengers who fall on the tracks. "You think you jump down, but you actually go ahead — you stop the train first."

Cited for Heroism

Mssrs. Caldarola and Dubuisson received NYC Transit heroism awards Sept. 18 during a ceremony for 16 transit workers earning medals at the authority's lower Manhattan headquarters.

While addressing the honorees, NYC Transit President Howard H. Roberts held back tears as he talked about the risks they had taken.

"Nothing affects me more than people who are willing to risk their lives for other people," he said, invoking his experience watching others in combat. "I can't talk about it without getting affected."

Station Cleaner Charles Tyler was cited for rescuing an intoxicated passenger who fell on the tracks at the 3rd Ave. station on the L line. Other heroism award-winners were Power Distribution Maintainer Patrick Williams, Hydraulic Maintainer Anthony Paterno and Bus Maintenance Supervisor Robert Sturiale.

Eight workers received commendation awards, including Station Agent Adrianna Carney, who stopped a distraught woman from committing suicide by jumping in front of a train at the Wall St. station on the IRT.

Quick Reaction Stopped Train

On Sept. 12, Train Operator Eugene Hart was pulling his V train into the 34th St. station when he spotted a customer who had gone into diabetic shock and fallen onto the tracks. He was able to stop the train immediately, with the customer suffering just minor cuts.

Administrative Staff Analyst Ronald Gooding won a commendation award for performing the Heimlich maneuver on a co-worker who was choking. Organization of Staff Analysts rep Michael Collins described Mr. Gooding as a "quiet man, but always heard from."

"He's contributed so much to the organization and his fellow workers," Mr. Collins said. "Thank God that Ron was available and acted as he did on behalf of the brother here."

Also receiving commendation awards were Maintainer Tai Shan Wang, Collecting Agent Eddie Castillo, Property Protection Agent Richard DeLeary, Structure Maintainer Lee Van Wilson and Car Equipment Cleaner George Toledo.

Car Inspector Roger Wallerson and Superintendent Harold Strano were presented with distinguished service awards.