Pellumb Skenderi, a caretaker X and grand prize winner of NYCHA’s John deCarlo
Memorial Award, stands at left of Chairwoman Shola Olatoye, center, and is
joined by fellow honorees.

Pellumb “Lumi” Skenderi, a caretaker X in the New York City Housing Authority’s Queens-Staten Island PropertyManagement Department, was presented with the John deCarlo Memorial Award’s grand prize by Chairwoman Shola Olatoye at the annual ceremony on June 20.

Skenderi, who has 12 years of service, received a $1,000 check for his excellent work.

Pellumb Skenderi and Shola Olatoye.

Nominees for the award are judged on service to residents, dedication to job duties, qualities of conduct and attendance. Of 35 nominees, Skenderi and the following eight caretakers were awarded Certificates of Excellence:

• Robert Rodriguez, Caretaker J at Johnson Houses, East Harlem, the second runner up, received $500. He was featured in the last issue of Newsline.
• Shadana Brown, Caretaker J, Adams Houses, Bronx
• Rhashon D. Davis, Caretaker X, Queens-Staten Island Floating Staff
• Robert Griffin, Caretaker G, Farragut Houses, Brooklyn
• George Martinez, Caretaker X, Rutgers Houses, Mixed Finance Asset Management
• Hector Martinez, Caretaker J, Twin Parks Consolidated, Bronx
• Robert Quiles, Caretaker G, Lower East Side Consolidated, Manhattan
• Gladys Rodriguez, Caretaker J, Roosevelt Houses, Brooklyn
• Carmen Saez, Caretaker J, Harlem River Consolidated, Manhattan

“You are the heart and soul of our organization,” said Olatoye, addressing the caretakers. “Every time you come in contact with someone you have the ability to reset what they believe about NYCHA.”

The deCarlo award, established in 1999, perpetuates the legacy of a renowned caretaker who died in the line of duty as a result of an assault.