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WEST JORDAN — This week's High 5 goes to the driver of a garbage truck who altered his Friday morning route to accommodate a special boy.
Dave Connell works for Ace Disposal.
"When you see a kid come out here, even if it's 30 below -- he'll be out here watching me," Dave said of 11-year-old Isaac Andrews.
Isaac was diagnosed with autism when he was 4 years old and has always been fascinated with garbage trucks. One Friday before school, Dave decided to let Isaac help instead of watching from afar.
When (Dave) came by and asked him to help, he lit up and had probably the biggest smile I've ever seen on his face.
–Kim Andrews
"Every Friday I saw him out here, so I just said, ‘Hey, I'll let him try it out.' He loves it, right Isaac?" Dave said. "It only takes a few minutes out of my time, and Ace Disposal lets me do it, so I enjoy it."
Matt Stalsberg of Ace Recycling and Disposal said, "We all love Dave around here. He's got a big heart, a lot of personality. He's just a real kind guy."
Isaac told us, when he grows up he wants to drive a garbage truck, just like Dave.
"I look forward to coming on Friday just to see him," Dave said.
All I can say is, what a sweet man! I admire him for going out of his way (for our son).
–Kim Andrews
Isaac's mother, Kim Andrews, said, "He gets up and gets ready and he's out here even before it gets light out, waiting for the garbage man."
Read here a touching letter Kim wrote to Dave and Ace Disposal, thanking them.
Our High 5 partner, Les Schwab, gave Dave a gift basket as well as $100 toward his next set of tires.
And if you'd like to nominate someone for a High 5, click here.
