Frank Zipp Rehired by Town

Frank Zipp is back on the job in his position as a Motor Equipment Operator in the town's highway division.

His reinstatement became possible after a town employee, injured over a decade ago in a work-related accident, received a New York State disability retirement, according to Bedford Supervisor, Lee Roberts.

"We're really happy to have him back," she said. "We hated to lose him, he's a good worker and a great person."

Zipp was laid off from his job in December—a casualty of a tough budget season and failed negotiations between the town and its blue-collar union.

When reached Friday afternoon, Zipp shared his elation over being rehired.

"I found out a week ago, when Kevin Winn called me," he said. "I'm so happy."

Zipp said his father used to be a surveyor for the World Trade Center in the 1970s, and he remembered well going to the worksite with him.

"It's what he taught me—we get up, we go to work. That's what I do, I'm glad to be back and I don't want to go anywhere," said Zipp.

After he was laid off, Zipp achieved some notoriety on Patch for being nominated for "Patch person of the year," and winning.

Winn, as public works commissioner, is Zipp's supervisor. At the time of Zipp's layoff, Winn said Zipp was one of "hardest working guys I know," and "an asset both for his work ethic and for his character."