Employees July 10, 2008
Protective Services Polishes its Impressive Image
To celebrate its 40 years of distinguished service to Yale-New Haven Hospital patients, visitors and staff, Protective Services recently held its second bi-annual awards ceremony for its almost 100 officers, specialists, communications officers and staff.
The ceremony in the Institute for Excellence opened and closed with an impressive color guard, organized by Lieutenant Fred Croog.
“I firmly believe Yale-New Haven Hospital has the finest officers of any hospital in the United States,” said Nick Proto, director, Protective Services and Parking. “Their efforts on behalf of patients and staff are heroic whether they are dealing with apprehending someone or ‘almost’ delivering babies. Our awards ceremony allows us to step back and take a moment to honor them for all that they do.”
The three top honors this year were given to: Robert Jersey, Officer of the Year; Charles Connor, Security Specialist of the Year; and Jerry Palmarozza, Central Communications Officer of the Year.
In addition to presenting these awards and commendations to almost 60 officers, Protective Services honored the off-shift administrators with whom they work routinely. The officers created a plaque for the nurses who help to get them “through the night.” It said: “You are a source of strength for our department; we honor your quiet circulating on the floors, ‘reading’ people and helping them when they are lost or upset, and getting down on one knee to talk to a child,” said Proto. “The other 10 percent of their job is law enforcement and that aspect ensures that we work in a safe and secure environment. Our officers excel at both.”
“I’ve worked as a dispatcher at Yale-New Haven for 11 years and it means a lot to me to be recognized by my peers,” said Officer Palmarozza. “Every day, officers are faced with tasks that are challenging and rewarding. Most people don’t see what we do, so it’s nice when your work is acknowledged in a ceremony like this.”
Article originally appeared in the July 1, 2008 issue of the Bulletin employee newsletter (page 2)
http://www.ynhh.org/bulletin_archive/2008/071008_bulletin.pdf
