One of the origins of the word courtesy is an Italian verb meaning "attend court [such as of a sovereign], pay honor." In C.O. Robert DiTommaso's case, he was paid honor -- Meritorious Duty Award -- for his courtesy to inmate visitors at EMTC.

To NYC
DOC Online
photos & story
of Medal Day 2011.
Use your browser's "back" button to return.

-- To NYCHS home page --

The following citation with the NYC DOC Meritorious Duty Award to Correction Officer Robert DiTommaso is taken from the Medal Day 2011 booklet.

CORRECTION OFFICER ROBERT DITOMMASO, E.M.T.C. It takes a special personality to handle the demands of working with the public in visits, but it's clear that Officer Robert DiTommaso is one of those special individuals who have what it takes.

Since joining the Department in 2006, Officer DiTommaso has demonstrated compassion and professionalism toward visitors at E.M.T.C., where he has received repeated praise from members of the public.

He has a reputation for being courteous and professional, taking the time to answer visitors' questions.

In October 2011, Officer DtTommaso was awarded the Mayor’s Excellence in Customer Service Award, and was cited for his exemplary dedication to providing excellent customer service, as well as his commitment to the City’s core values.

WEBMASTER NOTE: At Medal Day 2011 ceremonies in the George Motchan Detention Center (GMDC) on Rikers Island Nov. 15th, the NYC Department of Correction honored staff for heroic acts on and off the job, as well as for distinguished and exceptional on-the-job performance and community service. This New York Correction History Society (NYCHS) presentation features images derived from photos taken by NYCHS at the event as well as texts and images scanned by NYCHS from NYC DOC's Medal Day 2011 booklet distributed at the ceremonies.