In This Together

Like most of us, Damonte Anderson depends on his car. For individuals like Mr. Anderson who have served time for serious felonies that often preclude their ability to find immediate work with other employers, prompt employment and on-the-job, industry training at RecycleForce has proven to be incredibly valuable. As has RecycleForce’s employment culture proven valuable to individuals like Mr. Anderson: “They treat me like a human being,” said Mr. Anderson. “Everyone has been a big support.”  

Everyone, including Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department Officer Demetric Smith. Recently, Officer Smith was in his squad car outside RecycleForce on an especially cold evening after work hours, when he says he noticed Mr. Anderson moving in and out of his car, with the vehicle’s hood up. Mr. Anderson’s car would not start. Mr. Anderson says he was growing increasingly frustrated. In seeing Mr. Anderson struggle, Officer Smith approached to see if he could help. He could see that Mr. Anderson’s battery was dead, pulled-up his squad car, and jumped the battery. Then, he took Mr. Anderson to a gas station nearby, and Mr. Anderson says Officer Smith paid for a gas can, a funnel, and some gas.  

When RecycleForce staff later learned of Officer Smith’s generosity and kindness and thanked him for the same, Officer Smith shook Mr. Anderson’s hand and said, “We are all in this together.”