NEW YORK (1010 WINS) -- The MTA on Monday announced plans to dedicate a Brooklyn subway station in memory of a train operator who died in a fire in March.
Garrett Goble, 36, died after a man allegedly set a fire onboard the No. 2 train he was operating as it pulled into the Central Park North-110th Street station on March 27.
Investigators linked Nathaniel Avinger, 50, to the fatal blaze after he was arrested last week for allegedly groping a transit worker in Brooklyn.
On Monday, the MTA, NYPD officials and TWU Local 100 joined together to announced plans to honor Goble at the station he grew up using, Flatbush Av-Brooklyn College.
"Today is an emotional day for everyone at NYC Transit, but we also feel tremendous relief," said New York City Transit Interim President Sarah Feinberg. "Nothing can bring Garrett back, but this is progress, and we are grateful."
Interim MTA New York City Transit President Sarah Feinberg joined the family of Train Operator Garrett Goble on Mon., December 21, 2020 at the Flatbush Av-Brooklyn College station.Marc A. Hermann / MTA New York City Transit
Officials announced plans on Monday to commission a work of art for placement at the station to honor Goble. A dedication plaque will also be fabricated for the station.
The MTA says they plan to work closely with Goble's family on all aspects of his memoriam and will accept ideas and submissions from local artists.
"Our greatest responsibility is to continue to work with our partners to keep our workers safe, and to continue to find ways to honor Garrett in the months and years ahead," Feinberg said.
The Transit Workers Union is also working to create a scholarship in Goble's name.
"Together we will ensure that future generations know about Garrett's dedication, bravery and heroism. He will never be forgotten," TWU Local 100 President Tony Utano said.
