Angel Veloz, a roll-off truck driver for Waste Pro’s Ft. Myers, FL Division, has become the first driver in the company to earn the coveted $10,000 Safety Award five times. On November 16, Lee County, FL Commissioners recognized him and his family for his outstanding safety record. Angel has been a garbage truck driver for more than 20 years – he developed a fascination with trucks as a child, watching his dad’s career in construction and trucking.
As a roll-off truck driver, Angel collects and hauls trash for several businesses in the Ft. Myers/Cape Coral area, with his largest customer being the Southwest Florida International Airport. His exemplary work there led airport officials to approach him to write their safety operation plan for gathering and hauling trash – which the airport follows to this day.
Angel takes safety and staying focused on the road very seriously. He pledges to his wife every morning he will come home safely at the end of the day and never uses his phone while driving. Of the $40,000 Angel has earned from his previous safety awards, Angel used all of it to help his children pay for college or buy a home. “This Waste Pro program has helped me and my family so much,” Angel said. “It’s an honor for me to be the first person to earn this award five times.”
To earn the $10,000 Safety Award, Waste Pro drivers must go three years without an at-fault accident, injury, or property damage. A similar award of $5,000 is available to helpers who meet similar criteria. “This is a historic moment for Waste Pro to recognize Angel on this significant achievement,” said Waste Pro President and CEO Sean Jennings. “The solid waste industry is consistently listed in the top five deadliest jobs in the U.S. Angel is setting the standard and leading the way on safety.”