Making a Clean Sweep
Sanitation worker among those honored for keeping streets safe, traffic moving smoothly
By Laura Sturza, Photo by Jill Karnicki

Pieces of debris in the road don't stand a chance when street sweeper Roger Gibbs comes after them in his twin-engine diesel Mobile Sweeper.

The lifelong Burbank resident was honored for outstanding service at a Tuesday awards ceremony with seven other city Public Works employees.

Gibbs, 47, has been tending to city streets and alleys since 1985, and was first employed by the city as a truck driver in 1979.

"It's gratifying to know that you've done a good job. We make sure the water doesn't stand for a long time, which breeds mosquitoes." - Roger Gibbs said of his five-man team's handiwork, which also helps to ensure residents' health and safety.

The drivers also protect the environment by keeping the trash and debris from entering storm drains, which lead to the ocean.

With sweeper brooms on both sides and a large one in the rear, the white truck chases down street dirt at about 7mph.

Finding it, the offending materials is lifted in an elevator apparatus, and delivered to a central holding station onboard.

During heavy seasons, drivers will fill as many as 30 to 40 truckloads daily. A trash truck joins the five sweepers, regularly emptying their loads.

"I enjoy being outside and I work with a good crew. I enjoy meeting the residents and talking to them. It's not very stressful, so I like it." - Roger Gibbs

However, drivers must keep on their toes.

"You're driving along the gutter line so you constantly have to be aware of traffic and the kids. You have to pay attention all day long." - Roger Gibbs

Burbank celebrates Public Works Week starting Sunday, to bring attention to the variety and scope of services offered by the department, Public Works Director Bruce Feng said.

Along with street sweeping, services include trash removal, recycling, public building construction and maintenance, sewer maintenance, street and sidewalk repair and free electric vehicle charging.

The other honorees are Pat Allen, Rob Pera, Sherry Richardson, Jim Lawson, Jeanne Keeler, George Ortega, and John Molinar.