Natalie's Everyday Heroes: DPW worker recognized for saving dozens of animals on route

 

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- We all know Milwaukee's sanitation workers do important work -- taking care of garbage and recycling being two of the main things. But they're also extra eyes and ears on the city streets.

This week's everyday hero has earned quite a reputation for spotting trouble and jumping in to help.

"I'm going to give them 22175 952," Jannie Albright said, reading the number on the side of a new garbage cart.

Five days a week, Albright delivers fresh carts to Milwaukee homes.

"I am out most of the day," she said.

Being a yard attendant takes her all over north and central Milwaukee.

"It doesn't appear to be any splits in the garbage cart," she said at another stop, inspecting a cart the sanitation department received a complaint about. 

Investigating claims that come into the sanitation department is a main part of her job.

"Wherever duty calls on a given day," she said.

Fourteen years of observing and paying attention to detail.

Turns out keeping her eyes peeled has come in handy.

"It's just my heart. It's my heart. I was always taught to help if I can," she said.

You see, Albright has earned a reputation around Milwaukee's Department of Public Works.

"My nickname is Paw Patrol," she said with a smile.

That's right -- Paw Patrol. Dogs, cats, even possums.

"They're scared. They need love," Albright said.

A quick scroll on her phone shows photo after photo of animals she's saved.

"I don't know what happened with him, but he was hungry, so I got him and took him in," she said.

"Jannie is an asset, not just to the city of Milwaukee, but anyone who crosses her path," Central area manager Jeffery Smith said.

Her dedication earned her the City Employee Recognition Award for Acts of Service.

"Thank you, Jannie," said Mayor Cavalier Johnson, to a round of applause as Albright walked on stage.

It came as a surprise to her.

"I was a little nervous about why I was getting a call from the mayor's office," she said when she found out.

She was nominated by her coworker and friend, Lisa Beilke.

"She's definitely a person that we love to have in the office," Smith said. "When she sees something that doesn't look right, she's always aware in that regards."

So, when Paw Patrol is out on the streets, it's not just carts she has in the back of the truck.

"I keep treats, I have peanut butter, dog food, and a jug of water," she said of her supplies.

Because she never knows when she'll have the chance to save a life.

"It's a great feeling to know that you can help the community," she said.

Albright has even saved a toddler she found wandering outside.

Her goal is to someday open a rescue of her own.

If you'd like to nominate an Everyday Hero, send Natalie a message at [email protected].