Employee Spotlight: Charlie Moore Demonstrates Purpose in Every Sweep

Charlie Moore had just turned down a road in Point Place and started sweeping the street when he noticed a young boy on the other side, waving. Moore waved back, thinking nothing more of it. "It only takes a couple of seconds to be friendly and wave back to people," Moore said.

As he reached the end of the road and turned around, the boy was still standing there, now joined by his grandfather, holding out a bottle of water. Moore stopped his truck, rolled down the window, and took the water from the excited boy, who was eager to get a closer look at the street sweeper. Before long, the youngster, fascinated by the size of the machinery, hopped into the driver’s seat beside Moore.

“He was so excited,” Moore said. “His eyes got huge when he saw all the buttons. He asked me if I knew what they all did, and I said, ‘I know what most of them do.’” The boy laughed, soaking in the experience.

For Moore, this wasn’t just a chance encounter—it was a reminder of the bigger picture in his daily work. As a Heavy Equipment Operator I with the Division of Urban Beautification, his job is to maintain the streets of Toledo. Moore understands that his role isn’t just about cleaning the streets; it’s about making a positive impact and connecting with residents in meaningful ways.

This brief interaction would leave a lasting impression on the boy. His grandparents later sent Moore a heartfelt thank-you email, sharing that the experience had inspired their grandson so much that they bought him a toy truck to play with at home.

Moore’s helpfulness extends beyond street sweeping. He once assisted the Toledo Police with apprehending a shoplifter at the Kroger on Monroe Street. On another occasion, he stopped to help a resident with a flat tire. Whether assisting the police or helping a neighbor, Moore is always ready to lend a hand.

These acts reflect Moore’s strong sense of purpose in his work. Megan Robson, Director of the Department of Public Service, recalls how Moore goes out of his way to help others. "Charlie’s a perfect example of someone who doesn’t just do his job, but does it with heart," Robson said. "He’s always looking for ways to help others and make a difference, no matter how big or small."

For Moore, his work is about more than just the task at hand. "It’s about being there for the people around you and knowing you’re doing something that makes life a little bit better," Moore said. “I don’t just sweep the streets—I try to make Toledo a better place in every little way I can.”

Moore’s dedication shines in his approach to work. "I enjoy working for the City of Toledo," Moore said. "It’s a steady job with great benefits, and most everyone I work with are really great people.”

His strong work ethic is rooted in the lessons he learned growing up. "My grandfather was like my first boss. He taught me, ‘If you’re on time, you’re 15 minutes late.’”

Since joining the City of Toledo in 2018, Moore has worn many hats, from working as a traffic aide with the Toledo Police Department to driving street sweepers and clearing snow for the Division of Streets, Bridges, and Harbors. Though his journey has been shaped by change, his dedication to the community remains unwavering.

“I’m lucky to work with a great team,” Moore said. “We face challenges every day, but together, we get things done. And in the end, it feels good knowing I’m making a difference.”

It’s this dedication to service that embodies one of the City’s core values: a sense of purpose. For Moore, it’s not just about the work—it’s about the people. And in every street he sweeps, every wave he shares, Moore shows that purpose can be found in even the smallest acts.

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