GFL drivers Chris Girard and Neil Hansen were recently recognized at the National Waste & Recycling Association (NWRA) 2025 Driver and Operator of the Year awards, held at WasteExpo in Las Vegas. Girard, a commercial front-load driver based in Peoria, Illinois, was named National Commercial Driver of the Year. With 35 years in the waste industry, Girard began his driving career in the U.S. Army, where he earned licenses to operate a wide range of military vehicles. After obtaining his Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), he transitioned into the civilian workforce, ultimately joining the waste industry. Over the years, he has driven every type of vehicle within the company, which was eventually acquired by GFL. He currently services Peoria and nearby communities. Outside of work, Girard is a longtime volunteer EMT with the local fire department and enjoys racing demolition derby cars with his son.
Neil Hansen, from Menomonie, Wisconsin, was the inaugural recipient of NWRA’s new National Safety Sensitive Driver of the Year award. This category recognizes drivers working in sectors such as industrial, hazardous, and medical waste. Hansen brings 14 years of industry experience and currently handles various logistics for GFL, including delivering and picking up waste containers and parts. A U.S. Coast Guard veteran, Hansen spent five years conducting heavy weather search and rescue on the Great Lakes, honing his skills in navigation and resourcefulness. He attributes his strong safety record to defensive driving and careful adjustment to weather conditions. In his free time, he enjoys water skiing with his grandkids during the summer.
Both Girard and Hansen exemplify professionalism, safety, and dedication in the waste management industry. Congratulations to them, and also to the other GFL drivers and operators who received honorable mentions at the NWRA awards.
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