By Raven Skinner, Security Officer, New York, NY
When I started working as a security officer a few years ago, I looked to my co-workers as examples. I found a role model in Aland Etienne.
Each and every day, Aland showed up with real drive and dedication. I saw how much care and effort he put into our work – into keeping everyone coming in and out of the skyscraper at 345 Park Avenue safe.
And pretty soon, I found out where his motivation came from.
I was usually the one to cover his post at the lobby while he went on break. I always looked forward to it because I knew that during those 30 minutes, he’d be calling his family and children. I’m a parent too. I have two kids: my son is 9 and my daughter just turned 7. Aland cherished that time to speak with his kids.
We all knew: Aland’s drive, the energy he brought to work every day and his commitment to protecting the people in our building, was rooted in his motivation to provide for his kids – to support them and to show up for them. He was someone who uplifted others. Every day, Aland inspired me to be a better security officer and a better parent.
What happened on that July day is a tragedy. I was at home when I learned there was a mass shooting at our building. Later, I learned that Aland had passed. I was absolutely devastated.
Aland showed up that day with the same dedication he brought every day. He gave his life trying to protect the people he worked with.
- Help support Aland’s family: GoFundMe
- Read more from SEIU about commemorating Aland
What I hope now is that more people can recognize Aland’s example – and can see and recognize the thousands of officers just like him. As security officers, we put our lives on the line every day to provide for our families and keep our clients and city safe. It’s a job that requires dedication, and deserves recognition.
The Aland Etienne Safety & Security Act offers us one opportunity to honor Aland’s legacy. With the support of Aland’s family (such as his partner Rachelle and his brother Smith, pictured with me here), this legislation would – in Aland’s name – uplift all security officers across New York City.
Aland will always inspire me. I hope he can inspire you, too. Let’s honor his legacy by uplifting security officers – and one another.
