Brother James Daddino (holding plaque) is presented with the “Engineer of the Year” award by (from left to right) Karl Bischoff, Bret Becker and Kevin Sexton.
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BLET Division 269 and the Long Island Rail Road General Committee of Adjustment honored recent retirees at its annual Dinner Dance. The Dinner Dance is a tradition that dates to the late 1960s, and 2024 was the 57th annual event.
The following 2024 retirees were honored in person: Pete Ottavio, 28 years; Michael Heinlein, 26 years; Joe Charlonis, 25 years; Eric Hanke, 22 years; Nick Cibelli, 20 years; Dave Pelaez, 20 years and Rich Stumpel, 20 years.
Division 269 also recognized the following retirees who were unable to attend the Dinner Dance in person: Sabrina Looft, 30 years; Derek Nelson, 30 years; Keith Hofmann, 27 years; Dina Amen, 23 years; Regina Banks, 23 years; and Vincent Barbuto, 18 years.
Additionally, Brother James Daddino was recognized with the “Engineer of the Year” award. LIRR General Chairman Kevin Sexton said, “Brother Daddino’s selflessness and commitment to his craft and this Brotherhood are second to none. He is a professional in every sense of the word and has consistently exhibited such throughout his twenty-eight plus years as a qualified locomotive engineer.”
General Chairman Sexton, along with Division 269 President Karl Bischoff, recognized Division 269 Vice President Michael Garziano for his tireless efforts in planning and organizing this year’s event.
Members and guests at the 2024 Dinner Dance retirement party hosted by BLET Division 269 and the LIRR General Committee of Adjustment.