In continuing our commitment to recognizing our everyday heroes across New York City, MCU honored New York City Department of Sanitation (DSNY) Worker Erin Schneider as a Most Valuable New Yorker (MVNY) during the St. John’s University Men’s Basketball Game on Saturday, February 9, 2019.

Schneider, who is a Staten Island resident and has worked with the Department of Sanitation for more than two years, is the first woman to receive the DSNY Medal of Valor after her quick thinking and instincts saved the life of a coworker in July 2018. The coworker had been cleaning his mechanical broom when his head and right arm stuck in the machinery that brings the swept-up trash into the vehicle’s hopper, a nearly vertical conveyor belt with metal bars called flights. Schneider heard the man’s cries for help and quickly took action.

“We’re proud to honor Erin Schneider as a Most Valuable New Yorker,” said MCU Vice President of Business Development & Member Relations Corey Fernandes, who presented the MVNY award. “Erin truly embodies what it means to be an everyday hero. Her actions show that she is not only a dedicated city worker, she is also a valued coworker. Erin didn’t think twice when it came time to take immediate action to help a colleague. Her actions were life-saving and amazing.”

This is the third year of MCU’s Most Valuable New Yorker program, which was created to recognize the hardworking men and women of New York City who selflessly go above and beyond to make New York a better place to work and live. Municipal Credit Union is proud to celebrate these individuals for their dedication to serving their communities and their inspirational stories that motivate each of us to make New York City amazing. MCU honors Most Valuable New Yorkers at various events throughout the city, including St. John’s University Basketball games, CUNY Athletics events, and Brooklyn Cyclones games held at MCU Park.