QUEENS, NY – May 14, 2015– As part of a continuing commitment to the safety of its more than 17.1 million annual passengers, JFKIAT – the company that manages Terminal 4 at John F. Kennedy International Airport – announced an inaugural award ceremony for “Safety Employees of the Year”.
For several years, Terminal 4 has encouraged and rewarded its employees monthly for promoting a culture of safety. With cash awards and company-wide recognition, employees are incentivized to promote a safe environment for travelers of the 28 airlines who call Terminal 4 their home, as well as colleagues and crew who work in the building 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
The new Safety Employee of the Year Award recognizes those employees who are deemed to truly understand, share, and appreciate the importance of workplace safety. The honors are paired with prizes ranging from $250 - $750.
“I am extremely proud of the Terminal 4 community for promoting the importance of safety, which is essential for the tens of thousands of air travelers who pass through our terminal every day,” said Gert-Jan de Graaff, President and CEO of JFKIAT. “It is my great pleasure to recognize the diligence of these hard working and conscientious employees for their commitment to the safety of Terminal 4 and hope that many follow their lead.”
The first prize winners, Jose Cobo and Rafael De Leon of ABM, saved a Terminal 4 employee who suffered a seizure while driving on the ramp. Cobo and De Leon – after noticing the erratic driving – took the extraordinary and impressive step of putting their vehicle in the path of the victim’s car, stopping the employee’s car by using their own vehicle as a roadblock, thus preventing injury and property damage. Both received $750 each in return for their actions.
Corey Clarke, of Swissport International, stopped a vehicle that was left unattended and idling on Terminal 4 ramp. The vehicle somehow went into gear, traveled across the ramp, and went underneath a parked aircraft. Clarke jumped into the vehicle and stopped it. His action averted possible employee injury and aircraft damage. Clarke was awarded $500 for his commitment to safety
Glenn Brereton and Garfield Grant, both of Caribbean Airlines’ Maintenance team extinguished a small fire at a gate with a parked aircraft. For their quick thinking, Brereton and Grant were awarded $250 each.
“This program aims to encourage every JFKIAT Terminal 4 employee to practice safety every day by being diligent and attentive,” says Barbara Margulis, Vice President of Safety for JFKIAT. “These are the principles that JKFIAT instills in all employees at Terminal 4, allowing us to be leading the path for airport safety.”
About JFKIAT
JFKIAT, LLC is the operator of Terminal 4 at John F. Kennedy International Airport, one of the most active air terminals in the New York area, serving 31 international and domestic airlines with an annual passenger volume of more than 17 million travelers. With an expansion completed in 2014, passengers traveling through Terminal 4 can visit an outstanding selection of new and upgraded restaurants and bars, including world-class eateries, well-known casual dining, healthy options, and food-to-go. Terminal 4's expansive shopping mall offers an unparalleled shopping experience for travelers with a wide range of retail options from chic, upscale boutiques, to convenience stores, to electronics, accessories and gifts. Terminal 4 is the only air terminal in North America operated by a private management company. JFKIAT, LLC is owned by Schiphol USA Inc., a U.S. affiliate of Schiphol Group. Visit us at www.jfkiat.com.
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Contact:
Ross M. Wallenstein
The Marino Organization
(212) 889-0808 x 109
