The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) has honored three northwest region employees for going above and beyond to identify people in need and rendering aid.
Gabriel (Gabe) White, Stuart (Stu) Storll, and Albert (AJ) Crisostomo were recently presented with statewide Workplace Hero awards for their service to others.
“As a state agency, public service is the foundation of everything we do and the safety of our workers and our communities is the cornerstone," said Brian McNulty, District 1 Executive. “PennDOT's Workplace Hero awards are given at times when our employees step up to demonstrate those attributes beyond their everyday work assignments. The actions taken by Gabe, Stu, and AJ are wonderful examples of how public service can sometimes be a simple act of kindness and concern."
On the afternoon of June 5, 2024, White was hauling a load of stone along Petroleum Center Road in Cornplanter Township near Oil Creek State Park in Venango County when he noticed someone lying on the ground outside of a residence. The elderly person had fallen in the rain while doing yard work and was unable to get up. Gabe stopped and assisted the person in getting back to their feet and returning home.
Following the incident, a family member of the person sent the follow-up note to the Venango County maintenance facility where White works. The message thanked him for watching his surroundings and caring enough to stop.
“This incident is the epitome of Gabe's willingness to help others in need during his two years of employment with PennDOT," said Venango County Manager Blaise Bucha. “Whether it is by plowing snow or by assisting a member of the public, Gabe is always willing to jump in and lend a hand."
Similarly, on June 17, Storll and Crisostomo were traveling on Route 27 in East Mead Township, Crawford County when they heard someone calling for help. They turned around to investigate the situation and discovered an injured person in the tall grass near the roadway. The person had crashed their motorcycle into a ditch about 30 minutes prior and could not be seen easily from the roadway. Storll and Crisostomo helped the motorcyclist, ensured the person called their family, and stayed on scene until the Pennsylvania State Police and EMS arrived.
“It was not a surprise to hear Stu and AJ stepped up to help someone in need," Crawford County Manager Jason Warner said. “Both are dedicated Crawford County employees who take pride in service to their fellow employees and to the public."
White has worked as a transportation equipment operator at PennDOT's Venango County maintenance facility for more than two years. Storll is a maintenance repairman for the Crawford County maintenance facility and has worked for PennDOT for 21½ years. Crisostomo also works at the Crawford County facility and has been a tradesman helper for 2½ years.
Workplace Hero is an award open to PennDOT employees who, during work hours or as a representative of the department, take actions that prevent the death or serious injury of a co-worker or member of the public.
PennDOT District 1 is comprised of Crawford, Erie, Forest, Mercer, Venango, and Warren counties.
Subscribe to PennDOT news and traffic alerts in Crawford, Erie, Forest, Mercer, Venango, and Warren counties at www.penndot.pa.gov/District1.
Information about infrastructure in District 1, including completed work and significant projects, is available at www.penndot.pa.gov/D1Results. Find PennDOT's planned and active construction projects at www.projects.penndot.gov.
Find PennDOT news for the northwest region on X or Facebook.
PennDOT District 1 is hiring for variety of positions, including CDL operators, mechanics, highway maintenance workers, civil engineers, construction inspectors, and transportation technicians. Apply online at www.employment.pa.gov.
MEDIA CONTACT: Jill Harry, 814-678-5035 or jharry@pa.gov
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