Winthrop Resident Named a ‘logan Star’ For Restoring Critical Communication Lines

The Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport) awarded Michael R. DiMento, of Winthrop, with the Authority’s “Logan Stars” award. The award honors non-Massport employees at Boston Logan International Airport who exemplify the highest level of customer service and/or perform acts of heroism.

DiMento, a Verizon Technician, was recognized by Massport for his role in restoring critical communication lines at the airport. Last September, a minor accident at a construction site outside Terminal E led to major telephone outages impacting the airlines and vendors at the terminal. DiMento, along with a fellow Verizon technician, worked with Massport to identify a path to re-route dial tone to those effected by the incident. Thanks to their innovative approach to solve the problem, both men were able to restore service within hours, instead of days. DiMento, who has been with Verizon for 18 years, was honored during a ceremony at Terminal E last month.

“We applaud Michael and the other Logan Stars award recipients for their diligence and for going above and beyond their call of duty,” said Massport CEO Lisa Wieland. “These 17 men and women acted selflessly at the right place and time, and performed with compassion, grace, and professionalism under stressful circumstances. We commend them for demonstrating our strong commitment to safety and security.” 

The award recognizes the contributions of airport employees in one or more categories:

·         Providing exceptional customer service;

·         Engaging in an act of bravery and/or heroism;

·         Improving safety or security;

·         Increasing operational efficiency or excellence in a way that benefits the Logan community;

·         And creating innovations or new work processes that benefit the Logan community as a whole.

The ceremony featured Boston Police Commissioner William Gross, the first person of color to hold the position in the history of the Boston Police Department. He has served the people of Boston for over 35 years, starting as a Boston Police Cadet in 1983. Throughout his career, he has cultivated and maintained a strong connection with the community. In his current role, community policing remains one of his main priorities. He is often seen interacting with residents, local children, neighborhood groups, and community activists. Gross has received numerous awards for bravery and meritorious service. He has also been named one of Boston’s 100 Most Influential People of Color. “It’s an honor to have Commissioner Gross back at Logan Airport,” said Aviation Director Ed Freni. “His exceptional service to the City of Boston and leadership in community policing serve as a great example for all of us. Our airport community is safe because of the strong partnerships we’ve maintained with multiple law enforcement agencies and airport tenants throughout the years.”