2 LIRR workers honored

Jim Myles, 50, of East Northport, who is disabled and... — Jim Myles, 50, of East Northport, who is disabled and gets around with a walker, was among those stuck in Penn Station on the December 26 when the LIRR stopped service because of the blizzard. Two LIRR workers made sure Myles was safe, escorted him to a subway, and even rode the subway with him to Jamaica to make sure he got there ok and got a seat on a train. (March 15, 2011) Credit: Newsday / Jessica Rotkiewicz

By ALFONSO A. CASTILLOalfonso.castillo@newsday.comMarch 15, 2011

Two Long Island Rail Road employees are being honored as "men of the year" by a Huntington social services agency for their efforts in helping a disabled train rider stuck in Penn Station during the Christmas weekend blizzard.

The Trinity Program is recognizing LIRR lead transportation manager Dennis Schindler and transportation supervisor Dennis Vasquez at its annual Drive For Love fundraiser Thursday for their "compassion, professionalism and exceptional service to a disabled individual."

That person was Jim Myles, 50, of East Northport, who has a heart condition that requires him to travel with a walker and oxygen tank. Myers and his sister Maureen -- an organizer for the Trinity Program -- were among the hundreds stuck in Penn Station when a Dec. 26 blizzard caused the LIRR to suspend all service.

"They went, in my opinion, above and beyond the call of duty," Jim Myles said.

Maureen Myles said Schindler "went out of his way," to repeatedly check on her brother as he waited in the terminal, and even offered to go to a pharmacy to pick up his medication if necessary.

When the LIRR directed some customers to take a subway train to Jamaica Station to complete their trip, Vasquez cleared the subway station stairs and helped Myles slowly climb the steps, one by one.

"He kept on saying, 'You take your time. Don't worry about anyone else,' " Maureen Myles recalled.

SEE PHOTOSLIRR trains and commuters through the years

Vasquez then rode the E train with Myles, making sure he got a seat on the subway train and the connecting LIRR train at Jamaica.

In a statement, LIRR President Helena Williams said the actions of Schindler and Vasquez "give meaning to our pledge to make customer safety our top priority."

The Drive for Love event will take place at Nocellos restaurant in Northport beginning at 5:30 p.m. Money raised will be used to purchase a wheelchair-lift-equipped van for Chris Capotosto, 15, of Huntington, who has cerebral palsy.

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