Garbage truck drivers in North Palm Beach and Martin County are taking on additional responsibilities to keep you safe.

Waste Management, a commercial and residential waste and recycling service provider, is rolling out its “Waste Watch” program.

The program teaches drivers to become the eyes and ears of our communities. On Thursday, dozens were trained on things they should look for and report.

In Delray Beach a truck driver heard the screams of a woman who fell in her garage. He came to her rescue and called for help.

“We know our role, we know what our primary job is every day,” Michael DeClerck, Senior District Manager said. “We’re just another set of eyes, sort of like a rolling neighborhood watch.”

The goal is for drivers to report emergencies and suspicious activities they come across while on their routes. During the training, extra emphasis was also placed on the precautions drivers should take in securing their trucks.

“We don’t want our vehicles, which are very big, very dangerous, to become weapons. In today’s world we unfortunately have to think of that,” DeClerck said.

To read the full story, visit http://www.wptv.com/news/region-martin-county/garbage-truck-drivers-helping-keep-communities-safe.

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