Allied Universal Terminal Support Officer Leroy Patton recently received the “Unsung Heroes” award from Philadelphia International Airport’s (PHL) Employee Recognition Program. The program honors employees who work behind the scenes and are not typically recognized for their work. Although they do not work directly with guests, their effectiveness significantly affects the airport and guest experience.
At PHL, Patton ensures that the safety and security of the airport are maintained in departures, ticketing, and baggage claim. He’s been with Allied Universal for seven years and works the 10 p.m. – 6 a.m. shift, primarily in Terminals E and F. Before joining PHL, Patton served in the military for 17 years .
Patton is known for teamwork, transcending expectations, proactive communication, effectiveness, respect, and courage. In his nomination of Patton, Airport Operation Officer Supervisor Jeremiah Hall stated, “Allied Universal has provided PHL terminal support with our continued unsheltered population. Patton does an outstanding job developing conversations and identifying areas of requested needs with our community’s most vulnerable participants. Patton's overnight shift provided instrumental participant information, providing multiple outreach placement opportunities with the most insightful approach. In June, Patton successfully assisted an unsheltered person with transition placement information, resulting in a 72-hour Bethesda Project Mission placement. His good faith energies resulted in the participant's renewed spirits of hope. Upon acquiring financial independence, the recipient also expressed great interest in volunteering one day with the placement program. Patton's efforts appear to have a multiplying effect on the lives of others.”
Patton has assisted the unsheltered population with access to resources from organizations that can assist them with housing, I.D., and social security cards. “The most meaningful part of my job is that I get a chance to help someone get out of a bad situation. I would want someone to be kind to me when I’m low. The most gratifying part is when I’ve helped people.”
Patton enjoys assisting guests with navigating the airport. He especially enjoys reuniting families with one another. “It’s pure and positive, they’re so grateful,” he said. “I would want my family to receive help as well. Helping people gives me euphoria.”
Throughout the years, Patton has become more extroverted. He’s also learned the ins and outs of the airport through interacting with employees from the TSA and PPA to the airlines.
Patton enjoys the work environment at PHL. “I’ve trained a lot of coworkers,” he said. “Most new people come to me, and I show them everything I do. We get along with one another. There’s a strong sense of camaraderie.”
When days get hard, Patton holds onto his faith and commitment to his religious beliefs, which guide him during his shift. He feels accomplished after assisting guests in finding a lost item and watching the joy and relief on their faces. He believes in being kind and patient with everyone as he strives to leave a good impression.
Philadelphia is a city Patton loves because of its unique skyline. He also enjoys the beauty of Kelly Drive and the vibes of South Street. In his free time, Patton cares for an elderly neighbor he saved from a house fire.
“At Allied Universal, the people here go the extra mile to help and advise you,” said Patton. “I thank all the supervisor and management teams for being easily accessible. I also want to thank everyone responsible for the Employee Recognition Program for showing people they care and acknowledging the staff. I appreciate and thank Jeremiah for nominating me. I’m grateful for this award.”
The PHL Employee Recognition Program was established by the airport’s Guest Experience (GX) Department. Honorees are nominated by their peers and selected by the GX Council Steering Committee’s Employee Conduct and Recognition Committee. For more information about the program and to nominate an employee, click here.
