Longshoremen, Checkers and Maintenance members quickly pulled together in the aftermath of the tragic accident on 3/17/08. Members teamed up to comfort brother Nelson Bonilla who was struck by a top loader, while other members went to comfort brother Gene.

A special thank you to Mike Mormilie, Marie Lezmia, Rob Dickey, and Tasha Santos who stayed with Nelson until the medics arrived and to Tom Lavin, Neal Pacilio and Lou Marrela for staying with Gene through the ordeal. Thank you to mechanic, Danny Rion, who used his EMT training to help apply a tourniqueut and to checker Mike Fulbrook for getting help over the radio.

Assistant Shop Steward Paul Travato told management that many members were shaken up by the accident and informed management that we would break operation and return in the morning. The new Global management agreed and helped assure that members were safe.

President Anthony Falciccihio and Steward Travato went to the hospital to be with both Nelson and Gene. Lezima, Aaron Brandstien, and Dickey also stayed with Nelson in the hospital to the early hours of the morning.

Condition
Nelson is in critical condition at Jersey City Medical Center. He has lost both feet, part of a leg and has head trauma. His family has arrived and is with him. Gene is recovering and is with his family.

Our thoughts and best wishes are with both members.