We come face to face with heroes everyday—nameless people who fight for a worthy cause and offer their lives for others without the intent of building themselves some ivory or golden statues. You know what? Many of these heroes are drivers like you and me.
On March 27, Goodyear will celebrate these people’s heroism in the 25th Annual North America Highway hero Award. The prestigious award gives honor to truck drivers who have done unnoticed yet life-saving acts while on the job.
According to fleetowner.com, this year’s nominees are Rick Tower of Earl Brayant Trucking who rescued an 82-year-old from a car that fell on the Klamath River, Richard Filiczkowski of C.R. England Incorporated who helped rescue an 8-year-old girl and her father, who eventually died, Ronnie Greene, A. Passmore and Sons driver who saved a pregnant woman from her boyfriend who attempted to run his pickup truck over her and the late David Virgoe, who used to drive for Wilburn Archer Trucking. Virgoe was killed after swerving his empty tanker truck into a ditch in an effort to avoid three street-racing cars. Had Virgoe did not do it, his truck could have slammed into oncoming traffic across the street.
Steve McClellan, vice president for commercial tire systems for the Goodyear tire and Rubber Company, couldn’t contain his amazement for truck drivers from United states and Canada who risk their lives for the sake of others.
“We truly are in awe of these brave men and women who travel our highways,” he said.
According to an article, journalists from the trucking industry will determine who among the four finalists will be hailed as the 2007 Goodyear North America Highway Hero Awardee. The winner will receive $10,000 Savings Bond, a plaque and a ring while other finalists will be given a $5,000 savings Bond and a plaque.
The Highway hero program has been existent since 1983, recognizing the heroic acts of truck drivers as they travel their way across North America.