64 of years experience between them, Hasler and Kapp retire from Malta City Works Crew

You trash it, they take it.

For at least the last 30 years, the residents of the City of Malta's garbage has been seen by Tim Hasler and and Bob Kapp in one form or another. Whether it be in the form of Hasler picking up the garbage from curbs – always with a wave from the seat of his truck – or Bob Kapp at the City Landfill directing traffic –often with a witty quip – the two men have combined for 64 years of service working for the City.

On Wednesday afternoon at Malta's City Hall, friends, family and co-workers attended a retirement party for the two men, offering them thanks for their service as well as wishes for the days which lie ahead.

Malta Mayor Shyla Jones said that she knew next to nothing about the Malta City Landfill after being sworn into office and said that Kapp – who retires at the end of October with 30 years of service – showed her the ropes and has been invaluable to her for the past seven years.

"I want to thank you because you taught me a lot," Mayor Jones said. "You weren't afraid to say 'hey, we need to be doing this' or 'we don't be doing that' and I just want to thank you . . . your dedication to the City has just been unbelievable."

Kapp said he was asked to apply for a position for the City by Garry Adams in the 1980's. Adams told him he wanted him to apply because he knew Kapp would be do a good job for the citizens of Malta.

"He said I would have to deal with politicians, but if you keep the public happy, they will chew on the politicians for you," Kapp said.

As for Hasler, Mayor Jones said she didn't know what the City of Malta is going to do without him after the City was able to rely on him for the past 34 years. She said that for as long as she can remember she has seen Hasler, on a daily basis, waving and smiling to the people he passed while piloting the garbage truck, regardless of the type of day he may be having.

"Honestly, it is all these nice people that make me smile," Hasler said of the people of Malta. "They are the ones who make me the way I am."

Mayor Jones thanked Hasler for his service, wished him many more smile-filled day, but had a bit of bad news for him.

"I talked to Angie (Tim's wife,)" Mayor Jones said.

"Oh no," Tim retorted.

"She said you didn't ask her for her permission to retire so we are going to have to put you back on the truck," Mayor Jones concluded.

Partygoers enjoyed cake, beverages and snacks and Hasler and Kapp were both presented with plaques honoring and thanking them for their dedication to people and the City of Malta.