Ross, who drives for MCK Trucking Inc. based in Madison, Alabama, was recognized for contacting authorities and helping law enforcement rescue a young woman from an abductor earlier this year.

The incident happened on February 25 around 4 p.m. while Ross was parked at a rest area off I-40 in rural West Tennessee near Jackson. From inside his truck, he noticed a girl running barefoot with her shoes in hand.

“This young girl went running to the right of my truck in the grass with shoes in her hand,” Ross recalled. “I thought in my head, ‘something’s not right about that’.”

Ross watched as she sprinted about a quarter mile before disappearing into the woods. Moments later, a man followed, running directly after her.

“It scared me,” Ross said. “I went and called 911.”

A Tennessee Highway Patrol trooper arrived within minutes and was able to intervene, rescuing the young woman who, according to law enforcement, had been abducted in California. Ross also handed over video footage from his Samsara windshield camera, which authorities say will serve as critical evidence in the prosecution of the abductor.

Still shaken, Ross later asked another truck driver at the scene:

“Did I just save that girl’s life? I hope I did.”

David Wheeler, Safety Director at MCK Transportation, praised Ross for taking action and highlighted the importance of professional drivers speaking up when something seems wrong.

“MCK is grateful to have a driver like Ron who makes a difference in the world,” Wheeler said.

Ross’s recognition as a TCA Highway Angel is part of the program’s ongoing effort to spotlight truck drivers who go above and beyond to keep others safe on America’s highways.

Image Source: TCA
Source: The Trucker

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The Incident on Interstate 471

Around 1:30 a.m., Burgoon came across a devastating crash on Interstate 471 near Exit 2 in Cincinnati. The collision involved a car traveling the wrong way on the interstate and a semi-truck heading northbound. The impact, according to Burgoon, occurred at approximately 70 miles per hour.

“I came up on a wreck that just happened,” he recalled. “I’m pretty sure they were going 70 miles an hour driving straight into each other. I just know [the car] was on the wrong side of the highway and went head-on with that truck.”

The aftermath left the car in flames, with the driver trapped inside. Acting quickly, Burgoon stopped his truck and rushed to assist. He extinguished the fire around the driver’s feet, put out flames engulfing the car’s front end, and cut the driver’s seatbelt. Working alongside first responders, Burgoon helped move the injured man to safety.

The crash victim suffered significant injuries, including severe damage to his left arm and deep facial wounds. Reflecting on the situation, Burgoon said, “I got his seatbelt undone, but I don’t think there would have been any way we could’ve pried him out of there. He was in there pretty good.”

Drawing on Army Training to Save a Life

Burgoon, a truck driver of 10 years, credits his Army training for helping him stay composed and act decisively. When asked about his willingness to help, he explained how his values guided his actions.

“You do what you can do,” he said. “There’s no way I could just leave him in there; it’s absurd to me to even think that.” Burgoon emphasized that he would want someone to do the same if it were his family member in trouble.

Recognition as a Highway Angel

Burgoon’s bravery and selflessness have earned him the esteemed title of TCA Highway Angel. The program celebrates truck drivers who go above and beyond to demonstrate compassion and courage while out on the road.

Source: Truckers News

Image: Tommy Burgoon, Truckers News

The post ABF Freight Driver Recognized as a TCA Highway Angel for Heroic Actions at Crash Scene appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

While on her route, Lisa noticed a couple standing beside their motorhome, which was towing an SUV already consumed by fire. Without hesitation, she pulled over to assist. According to Lisa, “I saw the woman out with her little fire extinguisher trying to blow it,” Armed with her own fire extinguisher, Lisa joined another Good Samaritan who stopped to help.

The owner of the SUV advised Lisa against risking her safety for the vehicle’s contents, prompting Lisa to remain with the couple until emergency services arrived. An Army veteran with medical training, Lisa assessed the couple for potential injuries, noting, “They were pretty shaken up,” and recalling that “the man got burned on his arm.” Despite the SUV being a total loss, the motorhome remained unscathed.

Since its launch in August 1997, the TCA Highway Angels program has honored nearly 1,400 truck drivers for their kindness, courtesy, and bravery. With support from EpicVue, DriverFacts, and Northland Insurance, the program shines a light on exemplary drivers like Lisa Haner who display extraordinary courage while on the road.

Lisa’s actions serve as a reminder of the selflessness and dedication of truck drivers who go above and beyond their duties, making highways safer for everyone.

Source: Truckers News

The post Michigan Trucker Honored as Highway Angel for Heroic Actions at Vehicle Fire Scene appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.