Alliance for Downtown New York Honors 18 Public Safety Officers for Remarkable Service

The Alliance for Downtown New York honored 18 Public Safety Officers for their outstanding service and success in making Lower Manhattan one of the city's safest neighborhoods. The ceremony, a tradition which has been upheld for 24 years, was held this morning at Bobby Van’s Grill & Steakhouse on Broad Street. 

Downtown Alliance President Jessica Lappin presented the awards, together with Senior Vice President of Operations Ron Wolfgang and Director of Public Safety Tom Dunn. 

"I am so proud of our public safety officers and the work they do each year," said Downtown Alliance sident Jessica Lappin. "From helping people in need of critical medical care, to keeping kids out of trouble, to working with the NYPD to keep us safe, they make an incredible difference." 

The Public Safety Officers received recognition from the Downtown Alliance for the following:

Supervisors Paul Lapera, Shawn Soto, Edwin Velez and Security Officers Joshua Baez, Emmanuel Bonnaire, Mohamad Dansoko, Jaheem Elie, Lauren Ferriera, Brandon Green, Shaun Hudson, Jose Matias, James Paige, Theresa Seignious, Ralf Lamour, Calvin Staton and Eva Velazquez — On the morning of August 16, Security Officer Dansoko noticed heavy NYPD and FDNY activity at the Fulton Street subway station by John and William Streets. Two discarded pressure cookers had been found unattended on a crowded subway platform. The NYPD requested help from the Downtown Alliance Public Safety Unit. As police officers and firemen evacuated the subway and closed off surrounding streets to pedestrians and vehicles, Alliance supervisors and public safety officers from all posts, along with Assistant Director Ed Drivick, helped police and firemen communicate with commuters, evacuate the subway and the Oculus, close off surrounding streets to pedestrians and vehicles and redirect pedestrians until the situation was under control. 

Supervisor Johnathan Molina and Security Officers Brandon Green and Theresa Seignious — On August 20, Officer Seignious observed a woman in obvious pain and offered assistance. The woman told Officer Seignious that she had pain in her legs and that she was unable to walk or stand. Officer Seignious notified dispatch who called 911, and the woman was taken to NewYork-Presbyterian Lower Manhattan Hospital. Supervisor Molina and Officer Green, who remained on scene, learned that the woman’s husband and child were in Zuccotti Park. Officer Seignious located the woman’s family and determined they were all in need of aid and shelter. Supervisor Molina notified Leroy Perkins, a team leader at the Bowery Residents' Committee (BRC). Through interviewing the husband, the team learned that the family had been homeless for two months. Once the woman was discharged from the hospital, BRC placed the family in the Path Family Shelter.  

Security Officer James Paige — On October 30, Officer Paige was on patrol when he observed a pedestrian struck by a bicyclist while crossing Broadway at Maiden Lane. Officer Paige notified dispatch and stayed with the pedestrian until emergency medical services arrived at the scene. The man was taken to NewYork-Presbyterian Lower Manhattan Hospital where he was treated for a broken arm. 

Security Officer Nathan Turner — On November 8, while on post at Bowling Green Park, Officer Turner observed a group of teenagers carrying a large piece of wood with rusty nails protruding from one end. Officer Turner told the teens that their “club” could be considered a weapon and attract negative attention from police. The teens voluntarily gave the club to Officer Turner and continued on their way, and Officer Turner safely disposed of the item.

Criminal activity in Lower Manhattan has dropped considerably since the Downtown Alliance and NYPD began working together over a decade ago. Today, we employ a team of nearly 60 public safety officers who work closely with New York City Police Department’s Manhattan South Task Force to keep the neighborhood safe.  In addition, these proud men and women also help locals and visitors alike with general information, directions and personal recommendations on how to best experience Lower Manhattan.

This year's awards ceremony was hosted by our partners Allied Universal, a leading provider of security services.