LaredoBuzz.Com

 Laredo, TX—July 2, 2009—Continuing a proud tradition in the City of Laredo Solid Waste Services Division, Adan Rivera, a 10-year veteran for the City of Laredo Landfill – and a heavy equipment operator for almost seven and half years – won second place in the annual Texas Solid Waste Association of North America (TXSWANA) Road-e-o state competition held in Beaumont, Texas last week.

Rivera competed in the bulldozer known as a D-8.  This machinery is used to move large piles of trash and dirt in the landfill industry.  His victory will take him to the National Road-e-o competition in Clearwater, Florida where he will represent not only the City of Laredo, but also, the State of Texas.

Rivera says that placing in the top two gives him the satisfaction of knowing that his hard work pays off.

“I’m proud to know that what I normally do eight hours a day is not only considered work, but also, a talent,” said Rivera “I’m looking forward to going to Nationals;  maybe this time, I can bring home first place,” he says half-jokingly, but mainly serious.

The competition consists of being judged on their completion of an obstacle course by not only finishing the fastest, but also, by following all safety procedures.

“Mr. Rivera’s winning second place in this competition with some of the best heavy equipment operators in Texas confirms my belief that City of Laredo Solid Waste employees are some of the finest operators in the state,” said Stephen Geiss, acting manager for the Solid Waste Services Division.  “On behalf of the entire department, I would like to congratulate him for this significant achievement.

Three other Solid Waste employees also participated in the competition.  Julio Quiroga, Eduardo De lo Santos, and Angel Arriaga who also got a chance to show off their skill in garbage truck maneuvering, which is regarded as the toughest competition known in the Solid Waste industry.

This is the third time a Solid Waste employee places in the top two of this same competition; previous winners include Teofilo Estevis, Jr. and Jose Antonio Claudio