Kathryn Garcia
Every day, I am impressed by the incredible commitment our workforce brings to the job of keeping New York City healthy, safe and clean. From battling ferocious blizzards to cleaning up after events like the West Indian Day Parade, the women and men of the department bring an unbelievable amount of dedication to their work.
No one embodies this commitment more than First Deputy Commissioner Dennis Diggins, who retired last Thursday after 35 years of service. From his first day on the job as a Sanitation Worker to his last day as First Deputy Commissioner, FDC Diggins has worked diligently to keep our city safe and clean. I had the unique pleasure of working alongside FDC Diggins for 3 years and have the deepest gratitude for all he has done to grow this agency.
He has facilitated the closure of the Fresh Kills Landfill and led its transition into the second largest parkland in the five boroughs. He was an integral part of our response to the World Trade Center attacks on 9/11 and facilitated the transport and proper handling of more than one million tons of debris from Ground Zero at Fresh Kills. He has also been instrumental in the implementation of our curbside organics program and keeping our streets clean and clear throughout the year, even through difficult times like Hurricane Sandy and the 2016 Blizzard. He continues to be a vital member of our DSNY family as a co-founder of the Emerald Society Pipes and Drums Band, and he has always been an inspiration to his fellow colleagues.
To celebrate his accomplishments, Mayor Bill de Blasio declared August 31, 2017, as Dennis Diggins Day in New York City. Join me in thanking FDC Diggins for his service and wishing him a happy retirement.
|
