By Susan Czelusniak, Director, Bus Operations Support, MTA Bus Co.

George Menduina, MTA New York City Transit’s VP and chief facilities officer, Department of Buses, was presented with the 2016 Sloan Public Service Award from the Fund for the City of New York. This prestigious award celebrates dedication and commitment to outstanding public service to New York City, delivered at the highest level of excellence.

The event, attended by Menduina’s family and scores of co-workers, was held at Manhattan Division’s Mother Clara Hale Depot. Veronique “Ronnie” Hakim, president, MTA New York City Transit, and Darryl Irick, sr. VP, MTA New York City Department of Buses and President, MTA Bus Co., offered congratulations to him on an extraordinary achievement.

The Sloan Public Service Award, won by six city workers each year, was presented to Menduina by Mary McCormick, president, Fund for the City of New York, and Selection Panel members Gordon Davis and Diane Coffey.

“George, congratulations on this great honor. I can’t think of a more deserving recipient of this prestigious award,” said Hakim. “I also can’t imagine a better place to hold this ceremony, because George helped us build this beautiful depot, from the ground up, as the nation’s first and only LEED gold-certified bus depot.”

“During the course of his years at Buses, George has continually demonstrated his commitment to our mission and commitment to the people of New York City,” said Irick. “Whether in Brooklyn, the Bronx, Manhattan, Queens or Staten Island, much of George’s work was behind the scenes, away from the public eye — sometimes in the middle of the night — sometimes during the worst of situations.”

Menduina, a 39-year transit veteran began his career maintaining steam boilers at the Coney Island subway car shops before moving over to the Department of Buses. “After all these years behind the scenes, I never thought recognition would come in my direction,” said Menduina, deeply appreciative of the award and the well-wishes of his co-workers.

A second ceremony was held at the Great Hall at Cooper Union, where Menduina and five other recipients were honored. In attendance at this citywide recognition ceremony were Menduina and his family, Hakim, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio and other dignitaries.

Menduina is the second NYC Transit employee to be honored with the award, following Brooklyn Bus Operator Jefrick Dean, who won the award in 2012.