PHOENIX, July 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/
-- Republic Services, Inc. (NYSE: RSG) today announced that,
for the first time, it swept all National Waste & Recycling
Association (NWRA) Driver of the Year and Operator of the Year
awards in the national category. A record four employees from one
company were recognized, highlighting Republic team members'
exemplary safety and customer service records.
James Davis of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., is National Residential
Driver of the Year; Dedra McKinley
of Baton Rouge, La., is National
Commercial Driver of the Year; Redgenel "Tony" Forrest of
Charlotte, N.C., is National
Industrial Driver of the Year; and Victoria
Barragan of Milpitas,
Calif., is Operator of the Year.
"At Republic Services, safety drives every decision we make, and
that dedication extends to our customers and into our communities,"
said Jon Vander Ark, president and chief executive officer.
"Recognition for a commitment to safety is one of the most
meaningful honors any member of our industry can receive. On behalf
of our 35,000 employees, I congratulate James, Dedra, Tony and
Victoria for this remarkable achievement."
The Driver of the Year awards recognize drivers who safely
operate their trucks, maintain a superior performance record and
enhance the overall safety and image of the industry in eight
categories. The Operator of the Year designation recognizes an
employee working in post-collection for a materials recovery
facility, landfill or transfer station who responsibly operates
heavy equipment, including a bulldozer, front-end loader or
compactor.
Since 2009, Republic drivers have won more than 70 percent of
NWRA's Driver of the Year awards. This is Republic's third
consecutive Operator of the Year award, which was added in 2017.
Barragan is the first woman to be recognized as NWRA Operator of
the Year.
2021 National Residential Driver of the Year:
James Davis
A proud member of the Republic Services team in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., James Davis has been with the Company for 19
years as a residential driver. He is recognized by customers and
his peers as an exceptional driver, with a flawless safety record
throughout his career. Davis is beloved by the residents he serves,
befriending his customers and assisting those in need of an extra
hand with their collection bins.
2021 National Commercial Driver of the Year: Dedra McKinley
Dedra McKinley is from Republic
Services' Baton Rouge, La.,
division, and in her seven years with the Company, she has made her
mark in her community and among her colleagues. Described as the
heartbeat of her team, McKinley is meticulous in providing
outstanding service to customers and helping team members. She
serves as a behind-the-wheel instructor, in which she trains and
mentors future drivers.
2021 National Industrial Driver of the Year: Tony Forrest
Based out of Republic Services' Charlotte, N.C., division, Tony Forrest has been with the Company for 34
years. He began his career after completing driving school, and his
son followed in his footsteps as a Republic driver. Through it all,
Forrest has continually been praised by customers and colleagues
for his superior customer service and proactive approach in
executing his daily duties.
2021 National Operator of the Year: Victoria Barragan
Victoria Barragan, from Republic
Services' Newby Island Resource Recovery Park in Milpitas, Calif., has been with the Company
for 29 years. With a commitment to sustainability, she began her
career with the California Conservation Corps before joining the
Republic Services team. She served in a variety of roles at the
recycling facility before becoming a heavy-equipment operator.
Described as a master operator, Barragan is known for putting
safety and the environment first.
About Republic Services
Republic Services, Inc. is a leader in the U.S. environmental
services industry. Through its subsidiaries, the Company provides
superior customer experience while fostering a sustainable Blue
Planet® for future generations to enjoy a cleaner, safer
and healthier world. For more information, visit
RepublicServices.com, or follow us at
Facebook.com/RepublicServices, @RepublicService on Twitter or
Republic Services on LinkedIn.
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SOURCE Republic Services, Inc.