The Collier County Sheriff’s Office would like to share this news release, which was issued today by our safety partners at Waste Management.
WASTE WATCH DRIVERS ASSIST CAR ACCIDENT VICTIMS
Collier County – April 18, 2013 – On Wednesday, April 17, Waste Management drivers Ricky Destefanis and Armando Chavaria were on their regular route when at 10:30 am, they witnessed a two car accident on Logan Boulevard where one vehicle rolled over.
Following their Waste Watch training protocol, Destefanis secured his vehicle and called 911 while Chavaria went to the aide of the accident victims.
Destefanis and Chavaria have both completed Waste Watch certification – a joint community safety program in partnership with local law enforcement and emergency officials. Through this program, Waste Management drivers act as an extra set of eyes and ears for police, fire department and emergency services, and report any suspicious activity that may take place during their routes. Waste Management employees have undergone proper training on what to look for and how to respond in the case of an emergency.
"Fortunately this accident was not more serious. The actions of these two brave men demonstrate the importance of having community partnerships like Waste Watch, where our neighbors are safer because people take the time to do the right thing and help," said Sheriff Kevin J. Rambosk.
“Both Destefanis and Chavaria followed their Waste Watch training and responded appropriately,” said Larry Berg, Waste Management Senior District Manager. “We are proud of all our drivers that stay alert and calm in an emergency situation. And, we are pleased that the drivers were not seriously injured.”
Waste Management and its 147 employees in Collier County provide residential waste and recycling services to more than 100,000 residences as well as 3,500 commercial customers. More than 100 collection vehicles service the entire county six days per week.
About Waste Management
Waste Management, based in Houston, Texas, is the leading provider of comprehensive waste management services in North America. Subsidiaries provide collection, transfer, recycling and resource recovery, and disposal services. A leading developer, operator and owner of waste-to-energy and landfill gas-to-energy facilities in the United States, customers include residential, commercial, industrial, and municipal customers throughout North America. For more information, visit www.wm.com or www.thinkgreen.com
