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“Everyone is a costumer. If they need assistance, we’re here,” Pearl Bolvin of the 1600 block of Tasker Street said.
And assist Bolvin did as she began her 8 a.m. shift May 23, 2010 — a morning like no other. Now, more than a year later since Bolvin and her three co-workers saved a civilian, her team is still earning recognition for going above and beyond their call of duty.
The Philadelphia International Airport and the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau paid tribute to Bolvin and her coworkers’ heroic efforts by awarding them the Five-Star Award May 12 for providing customer service and safety for an unconscious passenger who fell onto the tracks at the SEPTA Airport Regional Rail platform at Terminal A. Bolvin and her co-workers, Bernita Hall, Jaime Neal and Mustafa Wilson, responded without hesitation and saved the passenger from the possible fatality of the next scheduled train, which was set to arrive at 8:14 a.m.
“These employees, who work in a variety of capacities, each exhibited extraordinary people-oriented behavior, care, compassion and skill in a variety of situations,” airport CEO Mark Gale said. “Their actions underscore the significance of responding to a customer’s needs and the importance of customer service at our airport.”
These particular awards are given to those employees who exhibit extreme dedication to providing safety for passengers. Bolvin’s group was one of the few large groups — since many of the recipients were individuals — to receive the award.
“We were all proud. It took us as a team together to do this kind of job. Teamwork is important on a job due to the fact that things can always get done better if we work as team players,” Bolvin, a Parkway Corp. ground transportation associate, said.
Hall was the first to notice the fallen passenger at 8:05 a.m. She quickly explained the situation to Bolvin, who was working at the ground transportation desk, and Neal whose shift had just ended. Bolvin then dialed 911, so that more help could arrive.
“My initial reaction was, ‘oh my God.’ It was like, ‘OK, I have to immediately help this man.’ I was afraid. Is he conscious? How bad off is he? Did he hit his head? I just had to get him off the tracks,” Bolvin said.
As more help was summoned, Hall and Wilson used every minute effectively. With five minutes to spare, the pair raced to Terminal B to inform the operator about the situation to prevent the train from traveling to Terminal A.
Bolvin and Neal took action to rescue the passenger. Bolvin, who has had prior experience in home health care, prides herself in her ability and desire to serve others.
“My mind was clear while we were waiting for the police to arrive. I thought we can do what we can do in the meantime,” Bolvin said.
They shouted and clapped their hands to awake the commuter. Once they succeeded, Neal reached down to grab the disoriented man’s arms to lift him. Bolvin grabbed the passenger by the belt and pulled him the rest of the way onto the platform. The police arrived shortly after to escort the man to the hospital.
“Once the ambulance came and put him on the stretcher, he looked over and waved to us goodbye and said, ‘thank you,’” Bolvin said.
Contact the South Philly Review at editor@southphillyreview.com.
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