NAPERVILLE, IL (pop. 135,858)— Naperville's Elderly Services Team in conjunction with Allied Waste Services, the city's residential refuse hauler, held a brief ceremony on March 28th to introduce its newest senior safety program, On the Watch.

The concept for the On the Watch program surfaced last December when Allied residential truck driver Shawn Kaelin noticed that a senior citizen on his route hadn't placed her garbage out on the curb for her weekly pick up. Being watchful of all citizens on his residential route, but particularly of the senior citizens, Kaelin felt something wasn't right and contacted the Naperville Police Department by calling 911. 

"In honor of Shawn Kaelin's quick actions and concern for this Naperville resident, the city's Elderly Services Team is excited to be teaming up with Allied Waste Services for the On the Watch program," said Elderly Services Team member Marita Manning. "By working with Allied Waste Services on this initiative, we know that we will have a valuable partner in the community as we work each day to ensure the well-being of our residents."

Consistent with the goals and objectives of the city's Elderly Services Team, the On the Watch program will aim to provide a community oriented approach to protect and maintain the quality of life for the elderly population in the city. As part of the new program, all Allied drivers in Naperville will keep a watchful eye for anything that may be out of place or suspicious along their daily routes and will report any suspicious activities to the Naperville Police Department. 

"The On the Watch program will take full advantage of the resources Allied Waste brings to the community on a daily basis," said Allied Waste Services General Manager Aric Henschen. "All of us at Allied are proud of Shawn and we are excited about this new program and the safety benefits we bring to Naperville."

For more information on the new On the Watch program, please contact Crime Prevention Specialist Marita Manning at 630. 420.6725.

Picture:  Mayor George Pradel and City Elderly Service Team joined Allied Waste Services to recognize Shawn Kaelin at a brief ceremony.