A New York City doorman says he's been fired for being too good at his job. Ralph Body, up until March 29, manned the front desk of the luxury 27 on 27th building in Long Island City, Queens. The 41-year-old told the New York Post he 'gave his life' for his wealthy tenants and would go out of his way to do any personal tasks they asked--all while keeping a cheerful smile on his face. But that willingness to go above and beyond for tenants--by taking care of pets and watering plants, among other chores--didn't sit well with the 2-year-old building's management, Body says. 'They said, 'We know you did it for the right reasons, but unfortunately...you're too nice to the tenants,'' he told the Post. Too nice? Queens doorman Ralph Body was a smiling fixture in the lobby of the luxury 27 on 27th building in Long Island City, but was fired for, according to him, being too nice . When Body insisted he only did what was asked of him, he says his employers with Heatherwood Communities said it didn't matter. 'Unfortunately, in this case, nice guys finish last,' Body says his higher-up told him. According to the Post, the tenants who so adored Body have now taken up his cause with a petition to get him reinstated to his job. 'Most tenants, especially those who have lived in the building since it opened, can attest to Ralph's kindness and eagerness to make people feel safe and welcome,' the petition reads. 'The ruthlessness of Ralph's termination is disgusting, unjust, and disheartening. From day one, Ralph has gone above and beyond his duties. Yes, rules and regulations must be followed, but Heatherwood is more than capable of providing coaching and counseling to ensure the best possible outcome for its tenants and staff.' Management company Heatherwood Communities says Body broke the rules. Body says he only did what was asked of him, like cleaning cat litter, taking care of pets and watering plants . The petition, on ipetitions.com, had received 72 of its goal of 250 signatures by Sunday evening. Now he waits, though Body could soon get a new job through his staffing company PBS Facility Services. Most tenants in Body's corner blame the building management and not the staffing company for the concierge's termination. the Post reports. But Heatherwood, in an email sent to tenants, says that's not the case. 'It was recently brought to our attention that Ralph did not follow PBS's policies and procedures and after being spoken to several times, it was their decision to reassign him to another building,' says the letter, which was obtained by the Post.
Ralph Body was once a beloved figure at the front desk of the building 27 on 27th in Queens.
The concierge says he was fired last week and now believes it was because he was too willing to help affluent tenants--even after his shifts.
Some tenants are gathering signatures to get 41-year-old Body reinstated as the building's ever-effervescent doorman.