James Ciccone (l.) receives gifts and a certificate of appreciation for his heroic efforts from Local 154 President Thomas J. O’Connor.
Ciccone gets recognition from company, union for heroic efforts
ON APRIL 10, 35-year member James E. Ciccone was working at the United Refinery in Warren, Pa., setting a stack furnace for Delta Nooter. It was 4:30 in the afternoon when he heard the revving of an engine. Looking up, he saw that crane operator William Otteni had passed out in the cab of a 50-ton picker. It was Otteni’s first day on the job.
Ciccone stopped what he was doing and yelled out for help. He then ran to the man’s aid in order to try to save his life — a man he had never met before. Ciccone called 911, and cleared an area for the ambulance. He and John Scypinski of All Crane Rental then tried to make Otteni comfortable until medical personnel arrived. Despite their efforts, Otteni passed away in the cab.
Ciccone’s attempt to save his coworker’s life did not go unnoticed. A member of Local 154 (Pittsburgh), Ciccone was presented a joint certificate of appreciation from the union and both companies: United Refinery and Delta Nooter.
“Boilermakers are made to help,” reports Local 154 President Thomas J. O’Connor. “His act of heroism shows how the men of Local 154 give their all on each and every job.”
The management team at United Refining and Delta Nooter also thanked Ciccone for “his unselfish act and for the pride he showed in attempting to save a life.”
