Page 8 - Florida Sentinel 8-26-22

Local
Tampa Police Department Recognizes City Of Tampa Solid Waste Driver For Helping Toddler Make It Home Safe
Last week, August 17, 2022, The Tampa Police De- partment (TPD) recognized a City of Tampa Solid Waste Driver for a heroic act.
On June 30, Jamal Powell, the solid waste driver, was on his collection route in East Tampa’s Tem- ple Crest Neighborhood, when he spotted a two-year- old boy playing alone. Con- cerned for the boy’s welfare, Powell paused his collection route to immediately help the toddler and ensure he was reconnected with his family.
The child was under the care of his grandmother and aunt who were inside the home at the time. The child had just slipped out the front door and was outside for a matter of minutes in his front yard when Powell no- ticed him, pulled over and waited with him. He also contacted the Tampa Police Department to ask for their assistance.
The Tampa Police De- partment was able to quickly locate the boy’s guardians and ensured that the family had good safety measures in place. Officers determined that this did not rise to the level of filing a police report and no charges were filed against the guardian of the child.
Powell later learned that the little boy’s name is Marco and he is two years old. The toddler’s loved ones remain incredibly grateful to Powell for being the eyes of their neighborhood and for jumping into action to help during an incident that could happen to any parent.
Last Wednesday, Police
Chief Mary O’Connor honored Powell at a Tampa Police Department Promotions Ceremony with an award for his actions alongside Larry Washing- ton, Director of the City of
JAMAL POWELL ...Solid Waste Driver honored
MARCO, 2
...Found playing outdoors
alone.
Tampa's Solid Waste Depart- ment. Marco and his loved ones also took part in the ceremony.
"Jamal is a great exam- ple of how much our drivers help and assist the commu- nity with integrity and kind- ness," Washington said. "Along with keeping the city clean, Tampa Solid Waste drivers are often the city's first set of eyes and ears. They are trained to be vigi- lant and look out for families across the city."
Powell is new to the Tampa Solid Waste Depart- ment. He started in May 2022.
Each year, drivers partic- ipate in the ‘See Something, Say Something’ Training to help equip them with the tools to help City of Tampa residents stay safe.
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