TWO NEW HAVEN PARKING AUTHORITY EMPLOYEES AWARDED CIVILIAN COMMENDATION

(5/28/2010) NEW HAVEN- William E. Kilpatrick, Executive Director of the New Haven Parking Authority, announced that two Parking Authority employees were honored at an awards ceremony presented by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) Police Department.

Security employee Joe Mortali and maintenance employee Gerald McCray received the Chief of Police Civilian Commendation, awarded to civilians for an act of outstanding bravery or heroism, at a ceremony held in Grand Central Station on May 19, 2010. Chief Michael R. Coan of the MTA presented the awards to Mr. Mortali and Mr. McCray for their actions on March 27, 2009 in responding to an incident at Union Station in New Haven. They provided assistance to an individual who was in apparent danger of jumping in front of a train, after they observed strange behavior and the man making reference to wanting to go on the “train to hell.” Mr. Mortali and Mr. McCray took immediate action, physically restraining the man from going onto the tracks and avoiding a potentially dangerous situation. MTA Police were notified and an investigation revealed that the subject was in fact attempting to commit suicide.

Contact Name: Jessica Mayorga

Contact Email: jmayorga@newhavenct.net

Contact Phone: 203-946-7660