Going Above & Beyond: NYCHA’s Exterminators

The Department of Prevention & Intervention Strategies (PAIS) would like to acknowledge staff who are going above and beyond during the COVID-19 pandemic in their work of tackling pest issues at NYCHA developments. 

PAIS Exterminator Lester Grant has made leaps and bounds in his work performance and is ready to lend a hand to help his fellow exterminators, no matter how big the task is. 

PAIS Exterminator Jermell Stevens is always asking if any exterminator needs a hand anywhere; he is generous and hardworking. 

PAIS Exterminator Solomon Sookoo is always thinking about how he can make NYCHA staff and residents feel at ease. Mr. Sookoo loves what he does, and it shows in his work. Regardless of the development he is working at, he always builds great working relationships with staff. 

PAIS Exterminator Sanjay Sharma is the first line of defense in the war against rodents. He is a willing teammate who is always thinking about how to improve a situation to help make the job for NYCHA exterminators easier and more effective. During this pandemic, Mr. Sharma is going above and beyond by reaching out to teach fellow exterminators. 

PAIS Maintenance Worker Oluyinka Odunmbaku has gone above and beyond by helping out many exterminators and answering the call to duty at a moment’s notice. Mr. Odunmbaku has proven to be a viable asset to NYCHA and the public. 

PAIS would also like to acknowledge the Exterminators and Supervisors of Exterminators from both PAIS and Operations who are out in the field performing important work during this pandemic, addressing development basement and grounds treatments to combat pests. PAIS has implemented rodent burrow counting to gauge if there have been any changes in rodent behavior at NYCHA developments as normal food sources from commercial businesses are no longer available. 

Supervisors: 
Damon Barnard of PAIS 
Darryl Brown and Kim Taylor of Brooklyn Property Management 
Lawrence Miles of Bronx Property Management 
Lashawn Wilson of Manhattan Property Management 

Manhattan Property Management Exterminators: 
Dexter Ellison, Matthew Parks, and Leni Lopez have gone to multiple developments doing Priority 7 rat work orders in common areas, basements, grounds, and apartments. All three have done mold tickets and high-priority bedbug tickets for elderly residents. 

Thomas Gomez has worked tirelessly dealing with rats in basements so that other trades can continue to do their work keeping compactors operable. He is always the first to help out in areas with rodent issues, working in multiple developments daily since the COVID-19 pandemic began.  

Brooklyn Property Management Exterminators: 
Jose Diaz is addressing integrated pest management (IPM) in NYCHA apartments. 

Edward Weston is addressing emergencies in the various locations he is dispatched to. 

Crashawn Vaden is addressing extermination work for residents.