Tashawn Tarver Jr. is a crew chief with the City of Albany, based at Washington Park, and a valued member of Local 1961. On July 15, 2025, he stepped in without hesitation during a moment of crisis, saving the life of a community member.

Tashawn’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary. At just 15 years old, he was shot resulting in him ending up in a coma and requiring seven blood transfusions. His chances of survival were slim. A year later, at 16, he was shot again in the leg. Doctors didn’t believe he would ever walk again.

In the midst of this trauma, it was his beloved grandmother who delivered the words that resonated with him. She told him that if he continued down the path he was on, he would either lose his life or find himself standing in a courtroom, facing the State of New York alone. The violence he endured and the truth in his grandmother’s warning became the wake-up call he desperately needed.

Determined to build a future, Tashawn pursued a career with the City of Albany. He was eventually hired as a seasonal employee. Tashawn proved himself through his dedication and hard work. Over time, he earned a permanent position and is now a crew chief. He genuinely loves what he does and receives compliments for his work.

“I look forward to coming to work every day,” he says proudly.

Now responsible for helping maintain the 89 acres of the popular Washington Park, Tashawn’s work spans every season and every corner of the grounds. He plows, weed whacks, mows, clears paths and supports events. He often works twelve-hour days, seven days a week and takes pride in keeping the park beautiful, safe, and welcoming for the community.

On July 3, 2025, his transformation came full circle. Tashawn received an urgent call from frantic coworkers: someone near the tennis courts had overdosed and wasn’t breathing. Without hesitation, he rushed over and administered Narcan. For a moment, he thought the person was already gone. Just one week earlier, he had completed Narcan training and received Narcan boxes on the job, and that preparation allowed him to act instantly.

Within seconds, the individual jolted awake.

When the police arrived, they asked who had administered the Narcan. Nervous coworkers pointed to Tashawn, unsure if he’d done something wrong. Instead, the officer told him, “He was gone for five minutes. You saved his life.”

After word spread that he saved a life, many unhoused community members began opening to Tashawn, sharing their stories, their struggles, and their gratitude. They trust him. They see him as someone who shows up in a moment of crisis and someone who cares.

His union has also been a crucial source of support. “I love the union. If it wasn’t for the union, I wouldn’t be here,” Tashawn says. “Everyone needs someone to fight for them. With the union, I have a family that has my back.”

As he reflects on how far he’s come and everything he now gives back, Tashawn says, “It feels amazing that someone is alive because of me.” He credits his strength, compassion, and sense of purpose to his grandmother. “She gave me hope and a chance to grow. I want to be that for other people. The greater deeds I do, the more I find great people come into my life.”

“I was once someone who needed saving. Now I save people.”