I have worked in dozens of places since the first time I ever punched in. But of all the places I worked – I love it here at OEM the best – because the people I work with are some of the best people to spend a workday with. While the workload is never-ending here at the Command Center and the pressure is always on – the people that I work with make The days go by fast, easy – and fun.

Our crew consists of a collection of Public Information Officers from different City agencies that have been pooled together to work at the Command Center’s Joint Information Center. Our duties include answering press calls, taking press pools to Ground Zero – and handling the needs of our fearless leader Cookie – who may be “the boss” – but chooses to treat us all like equals. I have worked for him for the last three months – and I already consider him to be the best person I have worked for. While he may expect things to get done – he is always respectful, generous – and willing to share the fun and the perks that come along with a job like this.

After Cookie – there comes Maryl and David. David is from the Department Of Transportation and is one of the most pleasant people I ever worked with. The one thing I admire about him the most is that he always remembers to tell his colleagues when they do a good job. In fact, in the last three months that I have worked with him – he has complimented my work more then people that I worked with for years. Maryl is from the Department of Consumer Affairs and is someone I consider more of a friend then a colleague. Each morning when she comes in, we share morning conversation over her very important first cup of coffee. And throughout the day, we laugh, joke – and enjoy music from our favorite era – the 1980s.

My fellow Public Information Officers – or PIO’s that round out the rest of the bunch include Matt from the Department of Design and Construction, John from the Department Of Correction, Mike from the Department of Sanitation – and Kim and Jim from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Each one of them are fun to work with in their own way and make me enjoy coming to work everyday.

With Mayor Giuliani’s last day as Mayor slowly approaching, it is uncertain how much longer we will all be working together. But whether it is for another week, another month – or another day – I will never forget the time I worked here at OEM – or the people that I worked with.