Public Employee Press

Congress honors two Local 375 heroes

Local 375 2nd Vice President Michael Kenny and Construction Project Manager Charlie Kaczorowski received Congressional commendations July 26 for their health-care advocacy on behalf of first responders and cleanup workers after the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

Congress member Carolyn R. Maloney (Dem.-N.Y.) presented the two with certificates praising their "Heroic Efforts Following the Attacks of 9/11" and their "Dedication to Pursuing Justice, Fairness & Adequate Medical Treatment for All the First Responders and Survivors of the World Trade Center Attacks."

Kaczorowski avoided death on Sept. 11, 2001, as traffic made him late that morning for a meeting in the South Tower. He then remained for hours to help the rescue effort. Kaczorowski and Kenny were among 80 Local 375 members on the Dept. of Design and Construction team that led the cleanup effort.

For years, the two have helped DC 37 lobby Congress for federal funding to help workers suffering from 9/11-related illnesses. Both members have illnesses caused by their 9/11 work. A Republican-led effort recently defeated a 9/11 health care bill.