Bronx Sanit Garage Is Named in Memory Of Worker Who Died

The Sanitation Department Dec. 11 renamed a Bronx facility the Rafael Concepcion Garage in memory of the Sanitation Worker who died after being thrown from his collection truck two years ago.

RAFAEL CONCEPCION: Tribute to dedicated Sanman.

Mr. Concepcion's family, including his wife, Evelyn, and two daughters, Kateleen, 9, and Brianna, 3, attended the dedication ceremony at Bronx 6 District Garage. He died from internal bleeding at the age of 36 after being thrown from the truck when his partner lost control rounding a corner.

Work Ethic Praised

"Sanitation Worker Concepcion was loved and admired by his family members and fellow co-workers from Bronx District 6," said Sanitation Commissioner John J. Doherty. "Although he was only a Sanitation Worker for a little over a year, Rafael's love of the job showed in the dedicated work he did every day, which made a great impression on all those he encountered. He may be gone, but the renaming of the district garage in the community he served so well will allow him to live on forever."

As a Sanitation Worker, Mr. Concepcion was "disciplined, dedicated, and deeply proud of the uniform," Mayor Bloomberg said at his wake. "He might not have been the biggest guy in the world, but pound-for-pound, he could outwork anyone in the department."