Department of Sanitation worker Steven Frosch was on duty in a Queens garage Saturday afternoon when he was pinned by a street sweeper and killed, police said.
Police responded to a call from the sanitation depot and discovered 43-year-old Frosch, unconscious and unmoving. Several other workers were on scene upon arrival.
Frosch, who lived in Garden City South, leaves behind a wife and four children. Frosch had been with the DSNY since 1999.
“Sanitation work is very dangerous and difficult work and we appreciate those who accept the call to duty. Our hearts go out to the Frosch family on their loss,” Sanitation Commissioner Kathryn Garcia stated Saturday.
Frosch had been performing maintenance on a street sweeper when he was hit by another sweeper. It was operated by another on-duty sanitation worker, who did not see Frosch. Frosch was pinned between the two vehicles.
No arrests were made and a full investigation is ongoing.
“We are deeply saddened to learn of the loss of one of New York’s Strongest today while on the job in service of our city,” Mayor Bill de Blasio stated. “Our thoughts and prayers are with Steven Frosch’s family—especially his wife and four children—as well as his friends and fellow sanitation workers. New York City stands ready to support them all in this tragic time of need.”
“Our deepest sympathies go out to the family and those close to Steven Frosch, who was killed on the job this afternoon,” stated Harry Nespoli, president of the Uniformed Sanitationmen’s Association, Local 831 IBT. “New York City sanitation workers have one of the most strenuous and dangerous jobs in the country.”
