2007 Merit Performance Awards
Superior Work Performance
Jeanette Helms
Deputy Chief Clerk, Erie County Surrogate's Court
Joining Surrogate's Court last April, only days after the
court switched to a new computer tracking system, Jeanette
Helms would spend just about every waking hour at the
courthouse for the next six months, ensuring the successful
conversion of the court's 400,000-plus records to the new
system. From hiring, training and supervising employees
assigned to the project to overseeing a physical inventory of the
court's huge index of wills filed for safekeeping—a most
laborious task—Jeanette was on top of every aspect of the
court's database upgrade. Thanks to Jeanette's painstaking
efforts, this very busy court now has an up-to-date record
inventory that employees can easily retrieve from their desktop
computers, with the public also able to access appropriate
information from the new database.
For her extraordinary perseverance on this latest project
and consistent dedication and courtesy toward others
throughout her court career, we are delighted to present
Jeanette Helms with this year's Merit Performance Award for
Superior Work Performance.
Community Service and Humanitarian Pursuits
John J. Brennan, Esq.
Law Clerk, Herkimer County Supreme Court
Volunteerism may be on the decline, but for John J. Brennan
it's a way of life. A guest chef at his local rescue mission,
assistant coach for the Herkimer Youth Basketball Program and
a judge in the New York State Bar Association's High School
Mock Trial Tournament—just to name some of his volunteer
pursuits—John still found the time to form a committee in June
2004 that arranged an all expense-paid trip to the nation's World
War II memorial in Washington, D.C. for every surviving
Herkimer County World War II veteran, complete with a pair of
medically trained companions to attend to the travelers' health
needs. John also made sure the veterans had a big send-off and
honored them with a welcome-home dinner attended by some
400 people.
The recipient of numerous awards for his charitable work, it
gives us great pleasure to present John with our 2007 Merit
Performance Award for Community Service and Humanitarian
Pursuits for making a difference in his local community and
beyond.
Heroism
Francisco Casiano
Court Officer, Bronx Family Court
John Strandberg
Senior Court Officer, Kings County Supreme Court
Though Francisco Casiano and John Strandberg worked in
different locations, an off-duty event brought the two court
officers together. Both watching from the stands of Staten
Island's Wagner College as their children played basketball
during a halftime scrimmage, Officer Strandberg was the first to
notice Edgar Cartotto, the Northeast Conference officials'
supervisor, collapse in the bleachers, rushing to his aid. Officer
Casiano, who'd been sitting farther away, was soon at the scene,
ready to assist. The two quickly performed CPR on the
unconscious 75-year-old without any response. Handed a
defibrillator by a college staffer, the two officers had to
administer two shocks to Mr. Cartotto's heart before he began
breathing. Saving Mr. Cartotto from what could have been a
fatal heart attack, the two say they are now “linked for life.”
It is our privilege to present this quick-thinking, fast-acting
and humble pair with this year's Merit Performance Award for
Heroism.
2006 Merit Performance Awards
Superior Work Performance
Kimberly Kozlowski
Principal Court Analyst, Onondaga County Drug Court
With her exceptional dedication, it's obvious why Kimberly
Kozlowski has been referred to as “the heart and soul” of the
Syracuse Treatment Court in Onondaga County, where she's
spent nearly a decade adeptly juggling a “to-do” list that would
overwhelm most people. As program coordinator, Kimberly
oversees the day-to-day operations of the court, which employs
a mix of rehabilitation and intensive judicial monitoring in
helping to break the cycle of substance abuse and crime.
Ever the innovator, Kimberly worked with court
administrators and other key justice system stakeholders in
streamlining the treatment court's screening and other
procedures, ultimately enhancing its accessibility. Despite the
court's steadily growing caseload, Kimberly continues to
provide whatever support she can to assist offenders in
achieving their goal of a drug-free life.
In addition to her many courthouse responsibilities—which
also include oversight of Onondaga County's Family Treatment
Court operations—Kimberly serves as Secretary to the Board of
Directors of the New York State Association of Drug Treatment
Court Professionals and is a faculty member of both the New
York State Drug Court Training Institute and the National Drug
Court Institute. In fact, she was recently recognized for her
outstanding knowledge of and passion for her field with the
Sherry Lintz Drug Court Award, established by the New York
State Association of Drug Treatment Court Professionals and
named for Kimberly's late friend, a Monroe County drug court
coordinator. It is with great delight that we add to Kimberly's
award collection with another highly deserved honor, our 2006
Merit Performance Award for Superior Work Performance.
Outstanding Educational Efforts
Elizabeth A. Taylor, Esq.
Principal Law Clerk, Bronx County Supreme Court
They say you can't go home again, but don't tell that to
Elizabeth A. Taylor. Following her graduation from law school
in 1995, Elizabeth returned to her native Bronx with a vision to
provide inner-city youngsters positive exposure to our judicial
system and teach them about career options in the legal field.
Within two years, she launched a mock trial competition
program for seventh and eighth graders that has since grown
sevenfold, this year attracting some 900 students from the Bronx
as well as other counties. Students enrolled in the Thurgood
Marshall Junior Mock Trial Program work diligently throughout
the spring semester to prepare for this highly regarded
competition, which puts their analytical, organizational and
public speaking skills to the test.
Elizabeth is involved in every aspect of the mock trial
program, nurturing relationships with area schools, recruiting
attorney volunteers to coach the youngsters, even overseeing
the preparation of informational handouts for the students. She
also works closely with the program's board members in
choosing cases that offer the students valuable life lessons, such
as the importance of resolving conflicts peacefully. She manages
to do all this and more while keeping up with her hectic
schedule at Bronx County Supreme Court and maintaining an
even disposition.
Elizabeth, for your extraordinary leadership and
perseverance in building a law-based program that today is
helping underprivileged youngsters gain self-confidence,
expand their horizons and, most importantly, realize their
dreams, it is our pleasure to present you with this year's Merit
Performance Award for Outstanding Educational Efforts.
Community Service and Humanitarian Pursuits
Anthony Jimenez
Management Analyst, Nassau County Supreme Court
Anthony Jimenez's public service doesn't end with his
work at Nassau County Supreme Court, where he performs a
range of duties, from overseeing building maintenance to
presenting an orientation program to incoming jurors. Come the
end of both his workday and workweek, this Purple Heart
recipient and certified emergency medical technician serves his
community with distinction as council member in his
hometown of Glen Cove, first responder for the City of Glen
Cove Emergency Medical Services—where he once served as
Chief—and mentor to local youth, among other activities.
Credited with answering some 5,000 emergency calls,
Anthony has been recognized by the press for his lifesaving
efforts, which include coming to the aid of a juror who suffered
a heart attack, administering CPR and using a defibrillator to
recharge the man's heart. Along with his tireless service as a
first responder, Anthony also teaches first aid to local boy
scouts and girl scouts, serves on the Glen Cove Drug Free
School Committee, is a liaison to Glen Cove's youth board and
a member of his local American Legion's Ways and Means
Committee. Incredibly, he still spares time and energy to play
the role of big brother to an area teen and lend support to local
parents whose children are serving overseas in the armed
forces.
The quintessential public servant, Anthony never hesitates
to put the needs of others before his own. Anthony, you are a
source of pride and inspiration to your community and our
court family. We thank you for your countless acts of kindness
with this year's Merit Performance Award for Community
Service and Humanitarian Pursuits.
Heroism
Frank Pastore
Senior Court Officer, Queens County Supreme Court
Hearing what sounded like an argument between a man
and woman while on duty outside Queens County Supreme
Court one morning last November, Officer Frank Pastore
approached the scene to find a male pummeling a woman
seated in her car, in an attempt to steal the vehicle. Responding
in typically selfless fashion, he rushed to the woman's aid,
grabbing her attacker from behind, pulling the assailant from
the vehicle and handcuffing him.
Victim Patricia Klein, who luckily suffered only minor
injuries, never expected to survive the vicious attack and
regularly thinks about the heartache her loved ones might have
suffered if not for Frank's courageous intervention. “Thank you
for my family and friends whose lives would have changed
forever if they had lost me . . . Your family must be so very
proud of you, and they probably don't even know how humble
you were about being a hero—you didn't even want to tell me
your name. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for shining
like a bright light in the darkness when I thought that I was
going to die,” Patricia Klein wrote to Frank several days after
the incident.
It turns out just moments prior to the attack on Patricia
Klein, her assailant stabbed a teacher, speeding off with and
crashing the woman's SUV before abandoning it near the
Queens courthouse. Thanks to Frank's brave and decisive
actions, Ms. Klein was saved from serious injury, and a
dangerous criminal removed from our city streets.
Frank, not only have you touched us with your valor and
sense of duty but also with your humility. It is with great
pleasure that we present you with this year's Merit
Performance Award for Heroism.
In Recognition of Exemplary Service and Dedication
John J. Mathews, Esq.
Consultation Clerk, Court of Appeals
(Posthumous -accepted by Ellen Mathews)
In the Spring of 1948, Court of Appeals Judge Charles S. Desmond
of Buffalo invited a young solo practitioner in his hometown to serve as
his new Law Clerk. Accepting the Judge's offer, John J. Mathews began
his legendary Court of Appeals career on June 14, 1948. Jack's clerkship
continued until then-Chief Judge Desmond left the Court in December
1967. Thereafter, Jack remained with the Court of Appeals as its
Consultation Clerk for almost 23 years.
As Consultation Clerk, Jack reviewed every draft and final opinion in
cases on appeal, and every internal report on motions and appeals filed
in the Court. He attended the Court's confidential conferences, advising
the Court concerning its jurisdiction and the order of disposition in
pending cases. Beyond this, Jack was the Court's institutional memory.
He spoke in intricate detail of the history—not only of its policies,
procedures and holdings, but also of its Judges and staff, its transitions
and traditions. Indeed, Jack served five Chief Judges, 32 Associate Judges
and five Clerks of the Court during his tenure, and left his mark on 105
volumes of the New York Reports, 1st and 2nd series.
Jack Mathews epitomized the ideal public servant, working
selflessly behind the scenes for the good of the Court, its litigants and
the public. He mentored new Judges, and molded and inspired
generations of new Law Clerks. Jack possessed the classic Irish wit and
charm, yet was humble and discreet. Above all, he loved the Court and
his place within it. We loved and learned from him in return.
For his extraordinary lifelong contributions to the Court of Appeals
and the entire court system, we present a special Merit Performance
Award to John J. Mathews. The award is received by his daughter,
Ellen Mathews.
2005 Merit Performance Awards
Superior Work Performance
Gloria Chandler
Chief Clerk and Commissioner of Jurors,
Otsego County Supreme and County Courts
A veteran of the court system, Gloria Chandler has
long been respected for her strong work ethic and
indomitable spirit, both of which were put to the test in
July 2003 when Gloria learned from her doctor that she
had cancer. Despite her emotional anguish and the
ensuing physical distress brought on by a combination
of surgery, chemotherapy and radiation, Gloria vowed
not only to beat the disease but to keep the courts
running smoothly while she battled for her life.
Just days before her surgery, Gloria mapped out a
plan of action to ensure the efficient functioning of
Otsego County's Supreme and County Courts during
her convalescence, assessing the courts' upcoming jury
and other needs, and coordinating staff assignments
accordingly. She quickly called a staff meeting to break
the bad news and offer her employees guidance and
support in keeping up with the courts' demands.
Incredibly, she kept the lines of communication open
from her bedside, trading e-mail messages with staffers
on important issues relating to the courts' day-to-day
operations.
Less than eight weeks later, Gloria was back at the
courthouse and—in between debilitating courses of
chemotherapy and radiation—continued to show up for
work, smiling and more than ready to do her part. Not
only did she manage to retain her focus on the job at
hand, but she carried out each task with her typical grace
and humor, ever the exemplary public servant
and human being her colleagues have come to love and
admire.
We are pleased to report that Gloria continues to
make steady progress healthwise, thanks in no small
part to her positive nature and strong character. In fact,
she recently got the green light from her doctor to take a
much-deserved long-distance trip. Of course, you can be
sure Gloria took every measure possible to guarantee
that the Otsego County courts ran like clockwork in her
absence!
Gloria, you have taken dedicated public service to
new heights with your remarkable perseverance,
courageous leadership and extraordinary commitment
to our judicial system. You are an inspiration to us all,
and it is with tremendous pride and pleasure that we
present you with this year's Merit Performance Award
for Superior Work Performance.
Outstanding Educational Efforts
Tawya Young
Lieutenant, Kings County Civil Court
Lieutenant Tawya Young brings her special blend
of wisdom and sunshine to New York City youngsters
via her participation in numerous educational activities,
many targeting at-risk youth. Tawya volunteers
countless hours at the courthouse, local schools and
community organizations, acquainting schoolchildren
and young adults with her work as a court officerlieutenant
and other court careers, while also sharing
with these young people knowledge that will hopefully
keep them on the right side of the law.
Whether facilitating a workshop on gang violence
at a local school, playing mentor to girls on the verge of
delinquency or inviting a group of special-needs teens
with an interest in the law to “shadow” her as she
carries out her courthouse duties, Tawya has a unique
ability to connect with youth of varying backgrounds
and circumstances. Toddlers to teens respond readily to
Tawya's openness, giving nature and delightful sense of
humor. Luckily, along with her many other gifts, Tawya
has a knack for juggling an extremely hectic
extracurricular schedule with her full-time night shift at
Brooklyn Civil Court, where she's earned a reputation
for defusing tense situations arising from some of the
court's more contentious housing and small claims
cases.
It's been a routinely busy year for this go-getter,
who last week visited the Katharine Gibbs School to
provide career guidance to graduating criminal justice
majors and just yesterday did double duty, coordinating
a “Take Your Kids to Work” program by day for
youngsters whose parents work in the Brooklyn courts
followed by her night shift at Brooklyn Civil Court. In
addition to her work with youth, Tawya is committed
to serving low- and middle-income minority women
who have safety and self-esteem issues. She has
arranged several seminars for such women, including a
“mind, body and soul” workshop at a Queens County
beauty salon, where participants were treated to
makeovers and offered safety and health tips from
Tawya and other experts.
Next fall, this teacher and role model will turn
student, entering the Hunter College School of Social
Work to pursue her master's degree while holding
down her full-time job. With her typical determination,
Tawya has vowed to squeeze in as many extracurricular
commitments as possible on weekends once she starts
school.
Tawya, for sharing so much of your time,
professional expertise and life experience in your
mission to brighten the faces and futures of youngsters
and the underprivileged, we are delighted to present
you with this year's Merit Performance Award for
Outstanding Educational Efforts.
Community Service and Humanitarian Pursuits
Carl Oropallo, Esq.
Principal Law Clerk, Onondaga County Supreme Court
Carl Oropallo's work at Onondaga County Family
Court, where he began his court career in 1969, opened
his eyes to the social ills plaguing so many children and
families, fueling his passion to serve the
underprivileged. This lifelong Syracuse resident and
active member of his local parish has a long history of
service to his church and community, with Carl's
humanitarian efforts touching the lives of many over
the years in both tangible as well as intangible, but no
less significant, ways.
One of Carl's earliest victories on behalf of the
needy, which he achieved with the support of his local
parish and area residents, was the launching of a multiservice
community center in a deteriorating Syracuse
neighborhood. So that his grassroots team would be
eligible for the federal and local funding needed to
build the center, Carl co-founded the Northeast Hawley
Development Corporation, Inc., organizing local
residents and parishioners, drafting the grant proposals
and filing the required paperwork. Officially opened in
September 1978, the center serves preschoolers to senior
citizens, offering an array of programs to help meet the
nutritional, educational and other needs of the
community.
Carl has continued to donate his time, talents and
legal expertise to numerous housing initiatives and
other community projects, including the creation of a
day care center for low-income families, where he serves as
president. And since February 2001, he has
worked tirelessly on behalf of a group of refugees from
Sudan who settled in Syracuse to escape the violence
and oppression of that war-torn nation. Helping them
to build new lives in their adopted homeland, Carl has
been instrumental in arranging food, clothing, housing,
education, transportation and jobs for these young men,
also lifting their spirits through social outings and other
activities. With his patient and charitable nature, Carl
has endeared himself to each one, as well as to the
immigrant Sudanese families he's also befriended,
instilling in them a deep respect for the rule of law in
their new country.
Carl is a voice for the under-served, and a friend
and helping hand to those in need. In recognition of his
innumerable acts of kindness and unflagging efforts to
enhance the quality of life in his community and
alleviate human suffering, it is our privilege to honor
Carl Oropallo with this year's Merit Performance
Award for Community Service and Humanitarian
Pursuits.
Heroism
Gary Diesel and Gregory Gerner
Court Officers, Nassau County District Court
Thanks to their superb instincts and teamwork,
Court Officers Gary Diesel and Gregory Gerner rescued
an infant and other residents from a blaze at a Long
Island apartment complex on a frigid morning last
January 20th, minutes after noticing a thick plume of
smoke darkening the skyline surrounding the Nassau
County District Court.
The pair immediately trailed the smoke by patrol
car, arriving at a horrifying scene: three hysterical
women, one holding a small baby, pleading for help
from the second-floor window of a burning three-story
building in downtown Hempstead. Scaling a five-foot
fence, the quick-acting officers—among the first
emergency personnel on the scene—raced up the fire
escape, with Officer Diesel forcing back a metal
window gate in order to get to the infant. He then
scooped up the baby with one arm, gingerly handing
her over to Officer Gerner, who carried the infant to
safety as his partner helped the frantic women out of
the smoke-filled apartment.
Even after other rescue workers arrived, the boldhearted
duo continued to take part in the evacuation
efforts. Accompanied by a local police officer, Officer
Gerner rushed back up the fire escape and into the
building's second floor to aid other trapped occupants,
while his partner grabbed a firefighter's ladder, helping
residents from the front and later the back of the
building—some elderly and disoriented—escape the
powerful flames.
Thankfully, some 20 minutes following the two
court officers' arrival at the scene, firefighters managed
to get the blaze under control, with all of the residents
safely evacuated. At that point our pair of selfless
heroes, exhausted and suffering smoke inhalation and
minor injuries, headed for the nearest hospital
emergency room, meeting some of the tenants they had
just helped to evacuate. It was an emotional encounter,
as these individuals showered our two heroes with
hugs and words of gratitude.
Officers Diesel and Gerner, you have done us proud
with your remarkable bravery and swift, skillful actions
on that fateful winter day. For your professionalism,
valor and humility that blustery January morning and
every day at Nassau County District Court as you carry
out your duties in protecting court employees and the
public, it is with great pleasure that we honor you with
this year's Merit Performance Award for Heroism.
2004 Merit Performance Award
Superior Work Performance
Martha Farbo-Lincoln
Chief Clerk, Niagara Falls City Court
Martha Farbo-Lincoln has played an integral role in virtually every
aspect of the day-to-day operation and management of Niagara Falls
City Court, where she began her court career some 29 years ago as an
entry level clerk, working her way up through the ranks. Thanks in
large measure to Martha's tireless efforts and pioneering spirit, in 1983
Niagara Falls City Court became New York's first computerized City
Court. In fact, the computer-generated reports still used today in City
Courts statewide are Martha's own creation.
From 1987 to 1992, as Deputy Chief Clerk of Niagara Falls City
Court, Martha traveled to courts throughout the Eighth Judicial District,
overseeing the installation of computer hardware and software, and
instructing jurists and their staff in the use of personal computers.
Promoted to Chief Clerk of Niagara Falls City Court in late 1992,
Martha remains a resource for each of the district's City Courts,
advising on daily operations and procedures.
She is also one of the co-authors of the Traffic and Criminal
Operations Manual for the City Courts, and over the years has lent her
time and talents to numerous committees and associations. President of
the City and District Court Clerks Association from 1988 to 1989 and
chair of its board of directors from 1989 to 1991, Martha has for the past
two decades been active in the association's non-judicial seminars
planning committee, working diligently to ensure that attendees return
from these seminars with a wealth of knowledge to share with their
colleagues. Additionally, she wore the dual hats of Chief Clerk of
Niagara Falls City Court and Acting Chief Clerk of Niagara County and
Supreme Courts from September 1992 to March 1993, when the latter
position was permanently filled.
Highly respected for her resourceful nature, integrity and
commitment to quality service, Martha is a proven leader and an
extraordinary individual. It is with great pleasure that we honor her
today with a Year 2004 Merit Performance Award for Superior Work
Performance.
Outstanding Educational Efforts
Leroy Davis
Court Officer, Red Hook Community Justice Center
Leroy Davis has brightened the day of many a youngster in the
Brooklyn neighborhood where he grew up and for the past four years
has worked as a court officer in the nation's first multi-jurisdictional
community court—the Red Hook Community Justice Center. Admired
by both local residents and colleagues for his dedication to the
community, Officer Davis's day in Red Hook doesn't end with his shift
at the courthouse. For Leroy, that's just the beginning.
Officer Davis spends countless weekends and weeknights helping
run a basketball clinic for Red Hook Rise, a local agency that works
with teenagers, as well as coaching local youth in baseball and
basketball. Then there are the year-round events he's involved in: the
reading programs, art shows, parades and holiday parties—the latter
complete with gifts he delivers door-to-door to the area's neediest
families. Leroy's unbridled passion truly is infectious, with many of his
co-workers joining him in these volunteer efforts.
Officer Davis continually strives to bridge the gap between the
Court and local community, and to enhance the quality of life for local
residents. He takes a personal interest in keeping youngsters on the
right track, often linking them and their families to GED classes, job
training and other services provided by the Red Hook Community
Justice Center. Leroy regularly invites youngsters to tour the Justice
Center and is a frequent speaker at local schools, where he talks to
students about his work as a court officer, also teaching them about
other career opportunities in the courts and the role of the courts in our
society.
For his commitment to our youth and the educational guidance
and moral support he extends to youngsters both in and outside of the
courthouse, we are delighted to present Officer Davis with a Year 2004
Merit Performance Award for Outstanding Educational Efforts.
Community Service and Humanitarian Pursuits
Ignatius Muscarella, Esq.
Principal Law Clerk, Nassau County Supreme Court
Social historians report that nowadays people don't volunteer as
readily as they used to. Don't tell that to Ignatius “Nate” Muscarella,
Principal Law Clerk to Nassau County Supreme Court Justice Thomas
Phelan. For Nate, volunteerism is a way of life.
A founding member of the Nassau County Courts' Kiwanis Club,
Nate works tirelessly to fight hunger. Several years ago, he invited a
speaker to one of the Kiwanis Club meetings to address members on
Island Harvest, a then-fledgling program that salvages perfectly edible,
unsold food from restaurants and catering establishments for
distribution at soup kitchens, homeless shelters and to other needy
recipients. Nate and some of the other Nassau County courthouse
Kiwanians were among the first and largest group of Island Harvest
volunteers, with Mr. Muscarella spearheading the initiative and
eventually becoming a highly valued member of Island Harvest's board
of directors.
When it comes to feeding the hungry, Nate is always ready to roll
up his sleeves, be it “rescuing” unsold food from retail establishments,
or sorting or transporting the food items for distribution. Each year,
Nate helps coordinate the local postal workers' food drive, collecting a
large bounty of goods for the needy. Then there's the annual
courthouse Kiwanians' “Make a Difference Day,” organized in
conjunction with Island Harvest. Volunteers collect food from local
supermarkets, with Nate transporting some 1,000 pounds of food to a
neighborhood pantry.
And Nate's charity is by no means confined to edibles.
An active
member of the Kiwanis Club, this devoted father of three brings cheer
to hospital and nursing home patients during the holiday season, also
lending his support to the group's clothing and book drives and other
charitable works. Amazingly, he still finds time to pitch in as assistant
soccer coach for the Bellmore-North Bellmore Police Athletic League. It
is our privilege to honor Ignatius Muscarella for his innumerable good
deeds with a Year 2004 Merit Performance Award for Community
Service and Humanitarian Pursuits.
Community Service and Humanitarian Pursuits
Amy Serson
Senior Court Office Assistant,
Rensselaer County Family Court
Since joining the staff of Rensselaer County Family Court in June
1998, Amy Serson has dedicated countless after-work hours to toy, food
and other drives for the low-income families served by the Court's
children's center, part of a statewide network of court facilities where
youngsters can play and learn while their parents attend to court
business. From collecting and wrapping toys to delivering food and gift
items to those who can't pick them up, Amy does it all—and always
with her signature smile.
During the holidays this past winter, Amy collected enough turkeys
and other food items and gifts—including disposable cameras—to fill
14 vans. Leading the effort, she inspired other court employees and
children's center staffers to join her in this charitable endeavor. And just
before the start of each school year, Amy gears up for the back-toschool
supplies drive sponsored by the Commission on Economic
Opportunity, the host agency for the Rensselaer County Family Court's
children's center. Amy designs, prints and disseminates the flyers
announcing the drive, also overseeing the various collection sites,
picking up items that donors can't drop off and coordinating the
distribution of the pencil cases, rulers, scissors and other supplies,
many of which she purchases with her own money.
Whether bringing locals together to help a family in financial
trouble get back on their feet, serving refreshments at her children's
school events or serving on her local zoning board, this mother of three
is there to lend a hand, giving her typical 200 percent.
With her boundless generosity and energy, Amy exemplifies the
very essence of community spirit. In recognition of her kindness, which
has touched the lives of many who are less fortunate, we are pleased to
honor Amy Serson with a Year 2004 Merit Performance Award for
Community Service and Humanitarian Pursuits.
Heroism
Albert Alfano
Senior Court Officer, Bronx County Supreme Court
Last December 31st, Senior Court Officer Albert Alfano's quick and
selfless actions helped turn one family's New Year's Eve nightmare into
a celebration of life. Vacationing with his own family in Cancun,
Mexico, Officer Alfano was lounging at his hotel pool that morning
when he noticed two girls in the ocean at a seemingly perilous distance
from shore. Almost simultaneously, he heard the frantic screams of a
woman—who turned out to be the girls' mom—from ashore.
Immediately, he raced toward the beach, grabbing part of a boogie
board he found in the lifeguard's station—there were no lifeguards on
duty and only a handful of people on the beach at the time—before
diving into the water.
Officer Alfano later learned that as he was running toward the
beach, the father of the girls swam to their aid, and with the help of a
nearby surfer managed to fight the powerful undercurrent and return
to shore with the younger girl. Frighteningly, the undercurrent swept
his older daughter farther out. Another man came to the older girl's
rescue, with the two fighting to stay afloat. Albert, who could see the
two struggling in the water, continued swimming toward them, tossing
the boogie board out to the pair as he approached them.
Several people,
including a hotel employee who swam to the aid of the three, worked
feverishly to pull the exhausted trio back to shore. Just as the three
grasped the rope used to haul them back to safety, a strong
undercurrent pushed the girl underwater, with Officer Alfano
somehow mustering up enough strength to pull her back up before
losing consciousness.
Thankfully, the sisters, though extremely shaken, were fine. Their
dad, the other rescuer and Albert were rushed to the hospital, where
Officer Alfano, who suffers from asthma and had water in his lungs,
spent the day. Mom Jodi Siegel of Ardsley, New York, credits Officer
Alfano with saving nine-year-old Hannah and her other rescuer. When
she and husband Matthew called Albert to express their gratitude, he
told them, “I couldn't imagine not helping.”
For those who've had the privilege of working with Officer Alfano,
his reply, like his actions that fateful day, are anything but surprising.
It's simply Albert's nature to put others' safety before his own, and to
do so with his usual grace and humility. And so it is with both
tremendous pride and delight that we present Albert Alfano with this
year's Merit Performance Award for Heroism.
2003 Merit Performance Award
Superior Work Performance
Karen Ambrozik
Chief Clerk, Binghamton City Court
One of the court system's shining stars, Karen Ambrozik is
admired as much for her immense knowledge of court
operations and procedures as she is for her consistently helpful
nature. Karen joined the Binghamton court in 1997, following
her service as chief clerk of Ithaca City Court, where she quickly
earned a reputation for her innovative spirit and wonderful
way with people.
Karen's contributions to New York's court system are both
many and wide-ranging. With a college intern from SUNYBinghamton,
she launched the Binghamton City Court's Web
page, one of the first in Broome County. Soon after, she took on
another special assignment: the development and
implementation of a specialized drug treatment court in the
county. Karen played an instrumental role in every phase of the
project, from assembling the drug court team and coordinating
their travel arrangements to organizing a community forum
during which the drug court concept was presented to locals
and arranging the special training required for the court's
judges and staff. Karen also worked diligently to acquaint the
local police department with drug court procedures.
Along with juggling numerous projects at Binghamton City
Court, Karen has managed to lend her time and talents to other
courts in the Sixth Judicial District. Recently, she spent the
better part of a year dividing her time between Binghamton
City Court and Elmira City Court, assisting the latter in
streamlining operations to maximize overall efficiency and
service. Karen also serves on various committees and has coauthored
manuals used by both the District's criminal and civil
courts. And there's no chance of her slowing down any time
soon: Karen is currently in the midst of several exciting projects,
including the planning and implementation of a
specialized domestic violence part for Binghamton City
Court and the revamping of the courthouse to
accommodate a third judgeship. In between, she shows
school groups and other visitors around Binghamton City
Court and is a featured speaker at various courthouse
functions. This exceptional sense of duty extends to her
personal life, with Karen a very active member of her
community.
Highly esteemed throughout the Sixth Judicial District
and beyond for her incredible energy and outstanding
dedication, Karen Ambrozik is a true leader with an
extraordinary commitment to our courts and those they
serve. It is with great pleasure that we honor her today
with a Year 2003 Merit Award for Superior Work
Performance.
Superior Work Performance
Ann M. Carlucci
Associate Court Clerk,
Richmond County Surrogate's Court
With her outstanding work ethic and exceptional kindness
and patience, Ann M. Carlucci leaves a lasting impression on
everyone she meets. As Associate Court Clerk of Richmond
County Surrogate's Court, Ann regularly assists in the
administration of highly sensitive—and oftentimes emotionally
charged—matters relating to the trusts and estates of the
deceased. Ann does an extraordinary job, whether she's helping
a bereaved family member navigate Surrogate's Court, aiding
an attorney in expediting the necessary paperwork, or sharing
with her colleagues her vast knowledge of the court's policies
and procedures.
Ann is diligent and thorough, always taking extra time and
care in helping others. Following the tragedy of September 11,
2001, she worked tirelessly in aiding the families of loved ones
missing and presumed dead in the World Trade Center attacks,
helping these grieving relatives in preparing affidavits, the first
step in obtaining a death certificate. Ann was part of a special
unit established by Richmond County Surrogate Judge John
Fusco to expedite issuance of death certificates to these families.
It was a wrenching process, but necessary in bringing the
families some financial relief, as such legal documentation is
required in accessing insurance proceeds, pension benefits and
other assets. And though she was undoubtedly grieving with
her own family and friends during this difficult time, Ann
carried out this onerous task in stellar fashion, not only
providing technical assistance to those in need but also a hand
for them to hold and a shoulder to lean on. Once again, Ann
rose to the challenge, displaying the high level of proficiency
and courtesy, and the immense compassion, that we have all
come to know her for.
Due to Ann's winning combination of technical and people
skills, she has garnered much praise from members of the bar
and general public since joining Richmond County Surrogate's
Court in March 1996. In fact, she has generated quite a bit of fan
mail, with many writing the court and lauding Ann, both for her
proficiency and caring nature. Ann has also won the acclaim of
her colleagues, who describe her as a friend and mentor as well
as a constant source of inspiration. And so, I am delighted to
acknowledge Ann's distinguished service by presenting her
with a Year 2003 Merit Performance Award for Superior Work
Performance.
Community Service
Michele Catalano
Secretary to Judge, Nassau County District Court
Michele Catalano, secretary to Judges Kenneth Gartner,
David Gross and Adam Moser of Nassau County District Court
in Hempstead, turned her talent with computers into a
charitable network that since March has been providing music
CDs, batteries, books and other such items to our troops
stationed in the Middle East.
One night in mid-March, Michele learned via a Web site she
created several years ago that while most of the servicemen and
women preparing for war in Iraq had the basic necessities,
many yearned for music they could listen to on their portable
CD players to help them pass the difficult days ahead. With the
help of a Massachusetts woman she came into contact with
through her Web site, Michele came up with the idea of
collecting new and used CDs to ship to those stationed overseas.
Michele and her new friend launched a Web site,
TROOPTRAX.COM, that in the weeks ahead would serve as a
conduit in seeking out such special supplies for our servicemen
and women. Within days of the Web site's launching, donations
began flowing in from all parts of the country. Thanks to the aid
of a serviceman stationed in Nebraska, Michele quickly
arranged shipment of the donated items to the Middle East.
Though Michele has spent an inordinate amount of time
and energy in making this vision a reality, extraordinarily, she
has not compromised her other roles in life. Throughout this
hectic and trying time, she remains the devoted mother, loving
wife and diligent employee we have all come to admire.
Looking at her many contributions, whether to her family, the
courts or her country, one has to stop and ask, “How does she
manage it all?” The answer: with grace, dignity and humility.
Michele is not one to toot her own horn, but rather a private
person, the type who likes to get things done quietly. Ironically,
she has been thrown into the spotlight of late, with various
media outlets requesting interviews from her in connection with
the creation of TROOPTRAX.COM.
Today, we ask Michele to take the spotlight once again as we
present her with the 2003 Merit Performance Award for
Community Service for her extraordinary efforts in bringing a
little bit of home to our troops stationed in the Middle East.
Heroism
Neil R. Schloth
Captain
Jacqueline A. Mahon
Senior Court Officer
Randall W. Meierdierks
Senior Court Officer
Nassau County Court
Several weeks ago, three members of the court system's
valiant officer corps acted swiftly in saving a life at the Nassau
County Supreme Court Matrimonial Center. The quick-thinking
trio, Captain Neil R. Schloth, Senior Court Officer Jacqueline A.
Mahon and Senior Court Officer Randall W. Meierdierks,
administered aid to attorney Michael Dikman, who had
collapsed inside the courthouse.
Mr. Dikman wears a pacemaker, which appeared to fire as
Officer Mahon, the first to reach him, approached. As Officer
Mahon knelt beside him, Mr. Dikman declined assistance.
Seconds later, the device fired again, leaving the 66-year-old Mr.
Dikman unconscious. At that point, Captain Schloth and Officer
Meierdierks were also on the scene, and the three officers, all
certified emergency medical technicians, promptly evaluated the
stricken attorney's condition, using an automated external
defibrillator—a portable device which monitors heart rate and
pulse, directing the rescuer to send an electric shock to the heart
if necessary—to resuscitate him.
The three applied the machine's self-adhesive paddles to Mr.
Dikman, whose heart rhythm, pulse rate and breathing
stabilized after the first shock reached his heart. Officer
Meierdierks, operating the oxygen bag valve administered to
Mr. Dikman, also called 911. After spending a week at an area
hospital for further observation and treatment, Mr. Dikman
continues to do well, and we join the Nassau County court
family in wishing him a speedy recovery.
Mr. Dikman's physicians attribute his survival to the
invention of this miraculous medical device and the immediate
response of these three highly skilled and caring individuals,
whose professionalism, resilience and valor shine through not
only in emergencies like this, but each and every day as they
carry out their duties in protecting the many who work, do
business in and visit our courts. Like Mr. Dikman and his
family, we remain forever grateful to these three outstanding
members of our court family for their gallant efforts on that
spring morning, and take delight in presenting them with this
year's Merit Performance Award for Heroism.
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