May 16, 2005

New York - The New York City Council today passed a proclamation honoring the unsung role of private security officers on September 11, 2001. The proclamation recognizes the key role that thousands of private security officers played in the city's response to the World Trade Center attack.
Council Member Peter Vallone Jr. presented the proclamation to private security officers Billy Mills and James Barnes, on behalf of all private security officers who worked in the World Trade Center and throughout the lower Manhattan financial district on September 11, 2001.

"On that tragic day in our city's history, private security officers displayed great courage and professionalism as they risked their lives to maintain order, evacuate thousands and help save lives," said Council Member Peter Vallone Jr., who sponsored the proclamation. "New Yorkers should take a moment to acknowledge their bravery and show appreciation for the job that private security officers play each day to keep New York safe and secure."

More than forty private security officers lost their lives on September 11th. 32BJ, New York's largest security officers union, lost ten private security officers and another fourteen building service workers.

"The proclamation provides New York's private security officers with the long overdue appreciation for their brave efforts on 9/11," said Lenore Friedlaender, 32BJ Vice President. "Private security officers at the World Trade Center and throughout the city demonstrated their professionalism on 9/11 by helping police, fire and emergency response teams to prevent the loss of as many lives as possible and protect the buildings they guard from damage and theft."

The proclamation marks the second year that the City Council recognizes the work of private security officers by declaring May, the Security Officers Appreciation month. In 2004, the City Council honored the important services provided by private security officers to the residents, visitors and businesses of New York City.

With more than 75,000 members, 32BJ is the largest private sector union in New York and the largest building service workers union in the country.