June 23, 2006

Support service staff members honored

Close to 2,300 operations support service employees gathered under the Bulfinch Tent to enjoy a special luncheon given in honor of Operations Support Staff Day June 13. The annual event is held each summer to recognize the important work support staff members provide to employees, patients and visitors. A highlight of the occasion was the presentation of the Ricardo Diaz Memorial Award, given to an MGH support service staff member who displays the same dedication and spirit that Ricardo Diaz encompassed. Diaz was a member of the MGH's Buildings and Grounds crew for 12 years. Tragically, he died in 2003 while plowing snow from the sidewalks surrounding the hospital. Diaz's sister, Maria Parada-Diaz of Environmental Services, was a special guest at the event.

This year's Ricardo Diaz Memorial Award recipient, Melvin Brooks of Police and Security, received a standing ovation as guests watched Bonnie Michelman, director of Police and Security, and Peter L. Slavin, MD, MGH president, present Brooks with the award plaque and check.

"An active member of his church, a dedicated father and husband, Mel is truly deserving of this award," said Michelman. "He is a kindhearted, generous and giving person. He is one of the most professional and well-respected individuals working at the hospital today. I am thrilled that Mel is being recognized for his great work and wonderful spirit."

This year's Ricardo Diaz Memorial Award nominees include Merlyn Allman, Georges Antoine, Daniel Ballantine, Maria Barros, Paula Brathwaite, Melvin Brooks, Mahjouba Changaf, Alberto Coll, Mateus Costa, Stephen Fasano, Maria Isabel Gonzalez, Whitfield Goodman, Willie Jackson, Megan Jones, Juan Perez, Donald Smith, Eunice Torres, Belmira Vaz, Hector Ventura, Donald Vigorito and Chung Wah Patrick Wong.

Brooks, front row, center, surrounded by Police and Security colleagues and flanked by Slavin and Michelman.