City employee killed in accident

BURBANK — Two memorial candles burned Tuesday outside the entrance to City Hall as part of a vigil for a city employee who died after being injured on the job at the city’s Water Reclamation Plant.

Joseph Cordero, 43, was a respected 23-year city employee who served as a collection systems journeyman in the Public Works Department.

While fixing a sewer line on Aug. 20, it is believed that Cordero was hit or was crushed under his truck, Burbank police Sgt. Travis Irving said.

There were no witnesses at the scene, and a full investigation is underway to determine the cause of the accident, Irving said.

Cordero was transported with critical injuries to USC Medical Center, where he underwent several surgeries.

He died at 5:30 p.m. Saturday with his family by his side, according to a statement released by the city.

Friends, co-workers and family members gathered to remember Cordero on Tuesday evening before the City Council meeting.

Locals Gino Gaudio and Tania Batson sang “You’ll Never Walk Alone” as well as “Amazing Grace.”

“There was no one in my life that I respected more than my brother,” said Cordero’s sister, Dolores Starr. “Even though he was younger than me, he taught me so many things about life.”

Mayor Dave Golonski, Public Works Director Bonnie Teaford and City Manager Mary Alvord also mentioned Cordero’s strong commitment to the city.

“Cordero’s death sends the strong message that these employees are in harm’s way every day,” Alvord said. “We take it for granted because they do their work seamlessly, and we take advantage of receiving their great services. Then one day, if something doesn’t go right, very tragic occurrences happen as a result.”

Cordero, who had been working with the sewer crew for the past 10 years, received several letters of commendation and appreciation from residents, city staff and neighboring cities during his career.

“He was very liked, extremely affable and just an overall great guy,” Teaford said. “He loved his job and did it extremely well.”

The day before his death, Cordero received the highest level of certification for collection system maintenance, Teaford said.

“He was very dedicated to professional development and always made sure to do the best he could,” she said. “We were proud of his accomplishments.”

Carolyn Scully, a finance clerk in the Public Works Department, handed out rubber blue bracelets that read “courage” before the vigil.

“It takes great courage to overcome such a tremendous loss as this,” Scully said. “Joe was a vital, strong, healthy, fun-loving individual.”

In lieu of flowers, Cordero’s family asks that donations be sent to the Grant-A-Starr Foundation through its website, www.grantastarr.com.

The organization was started in honor of Cordero’s nephew, Grant Starr, who died from an unknown viral infection at the age of 7.

Donations go toward the advancement of pediatric diagnostic testing.

 ALISON TULLY covers City Hall and public safety. She may be reached at (818) 637-3242 or by e-mail at alison.tully@ latimes.com.