“I started my shift at 5 a.m.,” curbside collections driver Frank Carrillo recounts. “Probably the 20th can in was a yard service, so I go up to collect the yard waste.”

In the early morning of July 26, 2023, the Cal-Sierra Disposal driver was going about his usual duties collecting residential garbage in the quiet town of Twain Harte, Calif. when he was faced with the shock of a lifetime.

“I see the side of the house on fire – the front side of it!”

It is generally said that there are two types of people in this world: those who are part of the problem and those who are part of the solution. At WM, we champion a “speak-up” culture where employees are encouraged to hold each other and the company accountable. If they see something that compromises the company’s goal of achieving success with integrity, they’re expected to take action. So, when Frank was faced with a house fire that could have engulfed one home and spread to others, his WM safety training kicked in and he was able to address the situation quickly.

“I called 911 and ran to my truck to get my fire extinguisher. I sprayed my fire extinguisher on the front of the house and the balcony. Then I tried to wake up the people from that house and the neighbors.”

Frank responded to the incident with the confidence of a seasoned garbage truck driver who has witnessed and handled many roadside scenarios. His behavior is an example of how ordinary people can make an extraordinary difference in times of crisis. Frank’s proactive decision-making significantly impacted the incident’s outcome. However, as is often the case with remarkable feats, he wasn’t acting alone.

Trucking Jobs: A Collaborative Culture

During that early morning, the shared commitment to doing the right thing and the strong sense of camaraderie championed at WM prompted Chris Morello to check on his colleague.

Experienced veterans and eager newcomers find a sense of unity within WM’s ranks. Frequently, seasoned truck drivers, having weathered countless road challenges, embrace their role as mentors to the newcomers joining the team. This expertise, combined with the fresh perspective and ideas that new employees bring to the table, is WM’s key ingredient to meeting the ever-changing demands of its customers without losing sight of the values that made the company the leading sustainability services provider in North America.

“I caught up to him, [and] I usually don’t catch up to him there. I saw his truck was sitting there, but I didn’t see him.” The two didn’t typically cross paths on their routes, but that morning, things were different.

“His truck wasn’t moving, and as I pulled up, he came running out saying, ‘Grab your fire extinguisher, the house is on fire!’”

As the fire spread throughout the property, the two truck drivers worked as a unit to ensure the residents and the street were safe. “I started using the fire extinguisher to put it out. I was banging on the door to get them [residents] up because I could see smoke entering the house through the wall. Luckily, we found out later that they weren’t home,” said Chris.

The Value of Driving Jobs Within WM

WM is committed to creating a positive work environment where employees feel supported and appreciated for their impact on the communities we serve. Our people-first culture is also reflected in how we treat employees regardless of their background. At WM, driving jobs come with a great sense of honor and respect for those who wake up early to ensure that communities stay clean and safe.

That morning, despite the residence being empty, the threat to the neighborhood was severe as the fire could have spread quickly to nearby houses. Even though Frank and Chris had never had to use a fire extinguisher in a live situation before, the safety training provided regularly by WM helped them prevent a catastrophic fire, given the heat of the summer and the region’s dry conditions.

“There are better-trained people, of course, than a garbage man to put out a fire. But just do something because that is what we are supposed to do. Do something when there is an opportunity. Don’t let things just happen,” concludes Chris.

Frank and Chris may not have expected such a turbulent morning. However, like many of our drivers, they were prepared to face the challenges of the road. Rain or shine, they wake up every morning motivated to make a positive impact, ensuring our communities receive the best possible service.

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