Crews to the rescue

Helping old ladies and putting out fires isn't on the job description for waste operatives but it seems par for the course for crews in Hertsmere.

While collecting bins in Borehamwood, Jack Jackiewicz, Nuradin Sharif and Daa'uud Omar turned into knights in shining armour when an elderly woman collapsed on the side of a road.

Daa'uud said: "We saw a lady at a bus stop shouting for help.  We stopped our vehicle and went to help her.  She had hurt her leg and was trying to get home."

"We called for an ambulance and followed instructions over the phone on what to do.  Once she felt able, we helped the woman home and spoke to a neighbour who was able to stay with her until the ambulance arrived."

In a separate incident, Mick O'Dwyer, Phillip Sarpong and Liban Hassana helped control a fire in a large Euro bin while collecting bins at a block of flats in Borehamwood.

After noticing smoke coming from the bin, the crew used a fire extinguisher and water from their vehicle to try and put out the fire but despite their best efforts, they were unable to extinguish it completely.  The crew reported it to an area officer and the fire service was called.  Fire fighters attended within minutes and put out the smouldering bin.

Alex Holloway, Operations Manager, said: "We don't know the exact cause of the fire but quite often it's cigarettes that aren't put out properly.

"It was lucky our crew was around to help because if it hadn't been detected, the bin could have burst into flames or been emptied and a fire could have developed in the vehicle or at the transfer station.

"Thanks must go to the crew involved whose quick-thinking avoided a potentially dangerous and costly accident."

"Thanks also go to Jack, Nuradin and Daa'uud who also acted gallantly to assist someone in need.  Both crews are a great credit to us."