Transit, Labor and Police Leaders Join Train Operator's Family After Arrest of Suspect in Horrific March Arson Attack
MTA to Commission Artwork Honoring Goble at his Home Station in Brooklyn
Goble, a Six Year Veteran of New York City Transit, Was Killed in the Line of Duty While Operating Train on March 27
See Photos from Announcement at Station
MTA, TWU Local 100 and NYPD officials were today joined by Delilah Rodriguez Goble, widow of Train Operator Garrett Goble, at a gathering to announce plans to honor Goble at the station he grew up using, Flatbush Av-Brooklyn College. Goble was tragically killed during an arson attack while operating a train in the early morning hours of March 27. A suspect in the case was arrested on Friday.
Officials praised the NYPD's investigative work in the case and announced plans to commission a work of art for placement at the station to honor Goble's legacy. A dedication plaque will also be fabricated for the station. The MTA will continue to work closely with Mr. Goble's family on all aspects of his memoriam, and will accept ideas and submissions from local artists.
"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. I have had the great fortune of getting to know Garrett's wife Delilah over the course of the last year and know this arrest brings great comfort to her and the entire Goble family. Now 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.”
“We are grateful to the NYPD’s Transit Bureau and members of its 28th precinct and Manhattan North detective squads," added Feinberg. "They have worked diligently for months and deserve immense credit for their efforts.”
“I want to thank the MTA for this very fitting tribute. The TWU is also working to create a scholarship in Garrett’s name,” said TWU Local 100 President Tony Utano. “Together we will ensure that future generations know about Garrett’s dedication, bravery and heroism. He will never be forgotten.”
"This was an important case for the NYC Transit family and for the NYPD," said Chief Kathleen O'Reilly, commanding officer of the NYPD Transit Bureau. "It was a senseless crime that cost a heroic train operator who was moving essential workers across the city his life, and we worked tirelessly to bring his loved ones the justice and closure they and he deserved."
"The detectives on this case were dogged in pursuit of leads," said Chief Brian McGee, commanding officer of Manhattan North Detectives. "They were determined to identify the perpetrator of this horrific crime based on solid evidence."
“We just want to say thank you," Delilah Goble said at today's announcement. "We are happy with the arrest. We know it's the first step. We've been waiting for this for a long time. It came just in time. Because my son's birthday is tomorrow, and he was really looking – he wants justice for his dad, just like we do. So we're really happy, we're grateful to the union, MTA, the Police Department -- they have been really great to us, checking up on us, making sure as a family we're okay. So, just thank you, thank you so much.”
Goble was operating a northbound train at around 3 a.m. on March 27 when an arsonist set fire to a shopping cart, engulfing the train in flames near the 110 St station. More than a dozen customers were also injured in the blaze. In addition to his wife Delilah, Goble is survived by two children and his mother Vicki.