On the occasion, for the first time in the six year history of the awards, the audience heard from a PRM passenger about just how life-enhancing the work they do can be for the people they help.
Around 200 people, including staff, family members and OmniServ customers, attended the ceremony and lunch held at the Heathrow Marriott hotel on May 12. A record 78 OmniServ employees received honouree club badges and legendary service scrolls, which were presented to them on stage by OmniServ's Chairman Ernie Patterson.
Wheelchair user Annette Abraminko was on stage to add her personal thanks to one of OmniServ’s staff, Bob Sandu, who was receiving an award.
Annette said: “Often times, disabled people are nervous about flying maybe for the first time and don't know what or who to ask. People like myself make sure knowledge is passed on to others within our reach. It's all about being prepared on both sides of the fence, whether client or employee of the airport.”
She added: “I am grateful every day for people like Bob; not because I use a wheelchair a lot, but because he shows me that in respecting me, he respects and loves himself and that is a quality we all strive for.”
“The employees who, like Bob, are being recognised today have differentiated themselves by delivering what we like to call legendary service – not just once, but consistently, all day, every day, 365 days of the year. We think that’s something that should be honoured and rewarded,” said Ernie Patterson.
Patterson also told the audience that the contract to help the estimated one million PRM passengers a year who fly via Heathrow, which was originally signed for five years, has now been extended for another two years, a tribute to the hard work and can-do attitude of the OmniServ staff involved.
