After two decades of driving a waste truck, Republic Services driver Francisco Chavez finds himself not only in the middle of a pandemic, but also in the spotlight.
Chavez is among many everyday heroes recognized as the COVID-19 crisis has, in a way, redefined who is “essential” to our lives
Last week, Chavez learned that he had been selected as an “Everyday Hero” by State Sen. Tom Umberg.
Umberg not only called Chavez to personally deliver the news, but he also put Francisco’s photo on Facebook saying, “Francisco and his team prove every day he comes into work that he is an Everyday Hero.”
Chavez reacted this week with humility, saying only that he wishes he could do more to help the residents on his route.
“It was a great experience and I felt honored speaking with a Senator of California. It was simply hard to believe that such an important person would take the time to get on a conference call and speak to me,” said Chavez.
“I can’t express how important I felt when he was asking me questions about my job and my family,” he added.
Regarding the overwhelming show of support from the community, Chavez said he is overwhelmed, but said he is saddened that he cannot do more to help them.
“There is a big difference,” said Chavez, “before this pandemic, we serviced our cities without social distancing – we were able to help residents when they forgot to put out their last bag of trash.”
Chavez, a native of Long Beach, said drivers come to know their communities and often go out of their way when residents forget to put the cans out, or just answer their questions.
“We know residents for years,” he said. “They are so friendly, and they usually offer drinking water to us,” he said.
“Sometimes they ask us questions regarding the trash service,” said Chavez, who wished social distancing rules would allow him to be of more help customers.
“As Republic’s representative to the greater Los Alamitos region, I could not be more proud of Francisco and appreciative for all that he and his fellow drivers do for the communities we serve. His recognition is well deserved,” said Manuel Gouveia.
