Public Employee Press

Local 1505 helps in heart transplant

City Parks Worker Walter Brissett collapsed as he climbed the stairs to his apartment after a long day at work in July 2011. He survived the fall, but his heart stopped as Emergency Medical Technicians revived him.

"My doctor said I had a weak heart and needed a transplant," Brissett said. On a Sunday six months later the transplant doctors called. "That afternoon I was on the operating table. Tuesday I woke up like nothing happened."

Brissettl ives alone, so his oldest sister Leona Harris came to his aid. But when his paycheck stopped, she called Local 1505.

"President Dilcy Benn went above and beyond to make sure Parks reinstated my pay," Brissett said. Although he was hospitalized, the agency made him submit original paperwork every month.

"Thanks to Deborah DeLauro here at DC 37 and cooperation from Parks Payroll Managers Agnes Grant and Chief Kim McNeal, I was able to submit all the papers," said Benn, who later helped Brissett file for retirement.

"Dilcy went the extra mile for our family," said Harris.

With a new heart, Brissett is getting stronger. His doctor has even advised him to join a gym.

"We weren't worried," Harris said. "We knew it would turn out well for Walter and left it in God's hands."