March 19, 2018

Last Wednesday was not the first time garbage man Chris Jones has been called upon to help a stranger in need – but it was definitely his most dramatic rescue, as he assisted an elderly man while working his route. His assistance may well have saved the man’s life.

Jones, who has been a Local 174 Teamster working at Recology/Cleanscapes for almost three years, was out in Issaquah working his way through his route when he spotted an older man staggering through a rock garden in front of a house. Jones’s gut told him to pause a moment and watch the man to see if he needed help, and it’s a good thing he did: moments later, the man stumbled on the rocks and fell hard, hitting his face on the edge of the house’s front porch.

Jones immediately sprang into action, setting his brake and getting out of his garbage truck to help the fallen man. “I helped him up, and was just talking to him, trying to keep him coherent,” Jones said. He helped him up onto the front porch of the house and into a chair, then ran to grab his phone to call an ambulance.

The confused man refused to stay in the chair, however, and while Jones was talking to the 911 dispatcher, the man stood up and fell over a second time, this time hitting the back of his head. Jones immediately put the man back into the chair and stayed with him to prevent him from getting up again until paramedics arrived.

Firefighters arrived on the scene first, and after playing musical chairs with Jones’s garbage truck, the paramedics were able to reach the man and assess his condition.

“They were happy I was there,” Jones said about the paramedics, as the man’s confusion and instability would likely have led to further injury if Jones had not been there to help.

In typical Teamster fashion, Jones is humble about his contributions. “It was no big deal. I help when I can.”

“We believe all trash collectors are unsung heroes, but Chris Jones truly went above the call of duty in this situation and we are proud of him,” said Teamsters Local 174 Secretary-Treasurer Rick Hicks. “Not only does he work hard every day doing a job society depends on, but when a stranger needs help, he gives that help without hesitation. Great job, Chris!”

Founded in 1909, Teamsters Local 174 represents 7,200 working men and women in the Seattle area. “Like” us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TeamstersLocal174.