Public Employee Press

911 workers hold reunion

Retired and current personnel of the Police Dept.’s 911 emergency telephone system — “the lifeline of New York” — donned party finery Oct. 12 and gathered at Leonard’s of Great Neck for a reunion that was one year in the planning.

Barbara Terrelonge of DC 37’s Research Dept. worked with a 19-member committee to plan the celebration. Former 911 staffer Ron Arnero, now an assistant director of the Clerical Division, said the evening renewed the bonds forged among co-workers on a stressful, high-pressure job.

“It was beautiful — more than we hoped for,” said Terrelonge. “We were unprepared for the outpouring. People didn’t know whether to laugh or to cry. It was very emotional for a lot of people.”

Retiree Allan Prescott summed up the evening: “It was one of those great events that you wish wouldn’t end so soon, and it made me kind of melancholy for the times gone by.” The celebration was captured for all to enjoy on a CD.