2/22/2013

STREETS DEPARTMENT THANKS SANITATION CREW FOR THEIR SWIFT ACTION

Possible Catastrophe Averted

PHILADELPHIA – Thanks to the swift action of a Streets Department’s Sanitation crew, a major catastrophe in the city may have been averted this morning. While in route, Sanitation crew member Kenneth Clea discovered a very unusual object in the rear of the Sanitation truck while he and fellow crew members Derrick Erwin and Mike Clifton were collecting trash on the 2000 block of S. Frazier Street approximately 9am this morning. Mr. Clea found a grenade. The truck was immediately driven to the end of the block, and the crew notified their supervisor and the Police of their discovery. When the Police arrived, they taped off the truck and waited for the Bomb Squad to arrive to remove the grenade. Detectives from the 12th Police District who accompanied the Bomb Squad are currently investigating the origins of the device.

The swift and vigilant action of the crew members averted what could have been a catastrophe to themselves and to the immediate neighborhood they were servicing.

Streets Commissioner Clarena Tolson commends the crew for their keen observation and quick thinking that ended safely for all concerned. “I am so grateful to our employees for their quick thinking and action," said Commissioner Tolson. "They took precautionary measures for themselves and for the community. If not, we may have had different story to tell. They are heroes in every sense of the word.”

Residents are reminded of some essential City regulations regarding trash and hazardous material disposal. These regulations have been established to help maintain standards for Streets Department employees and the public safety. Hazardous waste is material that can cause injury by exposure to harm and danger. Improper waste disposal can not only be dangerous to safety and welfare of our citizens and employees but it can also delay trash collection.

To learn more about hazardous materials, visit the Streets Department’s web site at www.philadelphiastreets.com and click on Household Hazardous Waste or contact the Regional hotline at 1-800-346-4242.

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