Public Employee Press

Corona crime stopper

Local 1505 member nabs thieves as she keeps city park clean.

By DIANE S. WILLIAMS

Instincts kicked in when a loving mother of nine sprang into action and nabbed three criminals Jan. 13 as they robbed a couple strolling through Flushing Meadows Corona Park in Queens.

“I was in the bathroom when I heard screams for help,” said Elaine Goodman, a seasonal park worker in Local 1505. “I saw a woman, and two men were beating her husband. I radioed for help and jumped on a guy’s back and pulled him off.”

Ms. Goodman is one of thousands of DC 37 members who go beyond the call of duty to respond in crises as horrendous as Sept. 11, as special as an untimely birth or as desperate as a violent mugging.

Ms. Goodman and co-worker Dwight Skeeter subdued the thieves until the police arrived. “I guess I watch too much ‘Law and Order,’ ” she said. She searched and found the victim’s wallet and necklace stuffed in one criminal’s pocket. “We made them take off their shoes and socks so they couldn’t flee. They could have had a gun or a knife, but I didn’t think about that at the time.”

Last year, Ms. Goodman recalled, there was a heinous rape and robbery in Corona Park. “I am not having that on my watch,” she said. The victim’s wife identified another suspect nearby. All three thugs pleaded guilty to robbery and assault charges.

After she received commendations from the Parks Commissioner and Police Dept., Ms. Goodman, who worked in the Jobs Opportunity Program, got another surprise — a permanent job.

“I earned my way,” said Ms. Goodman, whose children range from a year old to 21. “I love my job. Working outdoors is beautiful when the weather’s right, and I have to set an example for my kids.” The Bronx resident continued, “I don’t know what made me act. I couldn’t turn my back on something like that. I guess God was watching over me.”