Many believe there are jobs for males, jobs for females, and jobs that each and everyone can do in today’s world. Unfortunately, that is the reality we live in, but a select few choose to overcome the stereotypical culture.
Meet Lacey Watson, an employee of Morgan County Environmental Services. Many females work for sanitation departments worldwide, but how many actually drive and operate a garbage truck? Lacey needed a way to provide for her daughter and herself. She was taught Christian values, to love her friends and family, and a work ethic from a very young age. When the opportunity arose for her to be the first female to drive a truck for Morgan County Environmental Services, she knew there would be doubters and haters. Still, her drive to provide for her daughter outweighed anything anyone could say.
Lacey started working for Morgan County Environmental Services answering phones as she has always had a job in clerical-type positions. She knew answering phones was not a long-term job she wanted to do and had prayed for God to show her what path he wanted her to take in life for a long-term position. One day, her supervisor spoke to her about different jobs and asked if she knew how to drive a truck. Lacey was a farm girl and had run heavy equipment many times. Obviously, she knew how to drive a truck. She prayed a little more and felt God told her to get her CDL’s and make this opportunity a reality, and the rest is history.
Being a garbage truck driver comes with the good and the bad. Lacey said the best part of being a driver is seeing God’s beautiful landscape. The worst part is when she enters the landfill and has to clean out the trap, adding, that’s a little gross.
The other truck drivers are all male but have been very supportive of having Lacey as a driver. She said they all welcomed her and have been open to sharing their wisdom. “We all work diligently together as a team to get the job done.”, said Watson. “I grew up in Morgan County and had a pretty good idea of the roads already, but occasionally, we as drivers have to resort to route sheets. The guys were beneficial in helping, in the beginning, making sure I didn’t miss anything on my route.”
Lacey took the time to speak about the people of Morgan County and the generosity they show while she is on her route. “I have one customer that places two Gatorade’s in an iced cooler every day for me on my route. It doesn’t matter how cold it is or raining; those Gatorade’s are always there.”, said Lacey. During Christmas time, several Morgan Countians will leave gifts for the drivers. Some are small, and some are large, but in the end, they all are special to her and the other drivers. “The Christmas gifts are special to use and lifts everyone’s spirits during the holidays.”
The interview wrapped up talking about being a female garbage truck driver in a stereotypical world. “You can do anything you put your mind to, and don’t ever let anyone tell you otherwise.”, Lacey said. The world has become accustomed to what a man can do or what a female can do in their careers, but Lacey has beat the system and become herself in a stereotypical man’s world. Be like Lacey and think for yourself, let God lead your path, and the rest will be a bright future.
