Chris Wetzel, Prince Bali, Karamjit Singh Cheema, and Scott Miller were honored for their actions in separate incidents involving a serious crash, stranded motorists during severe winter weather, and a tour bus accident. Each recipient received a Highway Angel certificate, lapel pin, patches, truck decals, and recognition for their employer.

Since launching the Highway Angels program in 1997, TCA has recognized nearly 1,400 professional drivers for acts of kindness, courtesy, and courage while on the job. EpicVue presents the program with support from DriverFacts and Northland Insurance.

Chris Wetzel Assisted an Injured Deputy Following a Missouri Crash

Chris Wetzel, a driver for Anderson Trucking Service, received the Highway Angel Award after helping rescue a law enforcement officer following a crash on Interstate 49 near Joplin, Missouri.

According to TCA, the incident occurred on April 1, 2026, when a deputy responding to an emergency call collided with the trailer of a semi truck traveling ahead of Wetzel.

After stopping at the scene, Wetzel joined others in helping remove the injured deputy from the vehicle. He also used the deputy’s radio to issue a 10-33 emergency call, notifying dispatch that an officer was down and providing the crash location. Emergency responders transported the deputy to a nearby hospital, where he was reported to be in stable condition.

Wetzel remained at the scene to assist until emergency personnel had the situation under control.

Team Drivers Helped Motorists During Heavy Snowfall

Prince Bali and Karamjit Singh Cheema, who drive for Triple Eight Transport, were recognized after helping stranded motorists during severe winter weather near Hope, British Columbia.

While traveling from Calgary to Abbotsford on March 17, 2026, the team encountered heavy snowfall and hazardous road conditions. After reaching a traffic backup, they noticed a family whose vehicle had become stuck on an uphill section of the road. Before assisting the family, the drivers also stopped to help another truck driver whose trailer had become stuck in the snow.

Using recovery straps from their truck, Bali and Singh Cheema worked together to pull the family’s vehicle free, restart the electric vehicle, and make sure the occupants could safely continue their trip.

Scott Miller Assisted Passengers After Wisconsin Bus Crash

Scott Miller, a driver for America’s Service Line, was honored for helping passengers following a tour bus crash near Interstate 43 in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

The crash occurred on March 22, 2026, when the bus lost control while exiting the highway, crossed multiple lanes, struck a curb, became airborne, and came to rest after traveling more than 100 yards down an embankment. More than 50 people were on board, and at least 41 passengers were injured.

After calling 911, Miller approached the damaged bus and helped passengers while first responders were on the way. TCA said he remained at the scene for approximately 90 minutes, assisting emergency personnel and comforting injured passengers, including one woman who was trapped near the bus entrance until rescuers arrived.

Authorities continue to investigate the crash, including possible mechanical issues, while law enforcement has filed charges against the bus driver.

Drivers can learn more about the Highway Angels program or nominate a professional driver for recognition by visiting highwayangel.org.

Last Updated: July 20, 2026

Source: TCA, Truckload Authority, The Trucker

Image Source: TCA, The Trucker

The post TCA Honors Four Professional Drivers with Highway Angel Awards appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

The annual Highway Angels program highlights moments where truck drivers step in during emergencies, often before first responders arrive. This year’s honorees were selected for decisions made in real time, under pressure, in situations where hesitation could have cost lives.

2025 Highway Angels of the Year

• Terry Walde, Searcy Trucking Ltd.
• Deshown Moye, Melton Truck Lines
• Heather Barkey, Nussbaum Transportation

Each driver encountered a different emergency. The common thread was immediate action.

Terry Walde Acts After a Hit and Run in Saskatchewan

Terry Walde, a veteran driver with more than 40 years behind the wheel, was traveling eastbound on Highway 1 in Saskatchewan on May 27, 2025. Debris covered the roadway. Traffic was still moving.

Moments later, Walde found a cyclist who had been struck by a semi truck in a hit-and-run crash.

Walde stopped. He checked the cyclist’s breathing. He stayed calm. He relayed injury details to emergency responders and then took on another role, directing traffic around the scene to prevent further harm.

He remained there for several hours.

Dashcam footage later provided by Searcy Trucking helped authorities identify and charge the driver responsible. Walde’s actions kept the cyclist alive long enough for help to arrive and ensured accountability followed.

Deshown Moye Responds to Major Crash on I-65

On April 28, 2025, Deshown Moye was driving through Alabama when he came upon the aftermath of a violent multi-vehicle crash on Interstate 65.

A small sedan had been forced underneath a tractor-trailer. The driver inside was trapped and critically injured. Smoke was visible.

Moye pulled over, checked for hazards, and called 911. He moved quickly but carefully.

With the woman’s consent, he relieved pressure from her seatbelt, stabilized her injuries, and stayed with her for nearly 45 minutes. He talked to her. He kept her conscious. He did not leave until emergency crews arrived.

His presence mattered.

Heather Barkey Pulls Driver From Overturned Truck

Late on June 18, 2025, Heather Barkey was nearing her terminal in Mount Vernon, Illinois, when she noticed a truck rolled over along the roadway.

No one else had stopped.

The vehicle was leaking fuel. Smoke was present. The driver was trapped.

Barkey pulled over, activated her hazard lights, and called 911. Using a flashlight she already had in her cab, she broke a window and helped the driver escape before conditions worsened.

She stayed on scene until law enforcement confirmed the driver was safe.

Recognition at TCA Annual Convention

All three drivers will be formally honored during the Awards Luncheon on Monday, March 2, held in conjunction with the TCA Annual Convention in Orlando.

Each honoree will receive:

• A complimentary EpicVue satellite TV package
• A 24-inch television
• DVR
• One year of DIRECTV programming

About the TCA Highway Angel Program

“Since its inception in 1997, TCA’s Highway Angel program has recognized nearly 1,500 professional truck drivers for exemplary kindness, courtesy, and courage displayed while on the job,” TCA said.

The program is sponsored by EpicVue, Northland Insurance, and DriverFacts.

Drivers can be nominated by fellow motorists, law enforcement, carriers, or members of the public.

To nominate a driver or learn more about the program, visit the TCA Highway Angel page here.

Source: The Trucker

The post TCA Names 2025 Highway Angels of the Year appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Four drivers were recently named TCA Highway Angels for their actions while on the road: Phil Damme of Online Transport, Owen Lewis of Sharp Transportation Inc., Marco Medel Morga of AAA Cooper Transportation, and John Bradley of James River Carriers.

Each was recognized for helping fellow motorists and drivers during emergencies, often before first responders arrived.

Recognizing professionalism beyond the wheel

As part of the honor, each Highway Angel receives a certificate, lapel pin, patches, and truck decals. Their employers are also presented with a certificate recognizing their driver’s actions.

Since the Highway Angels program began in 1997, nearly 1,400 professional drivers have been honored for acts of kindness, courage, and professionalism displayed while doing their jobs. The program is supported by presenting sponsor EpicVue, along with DriverFacts and Northland Insurance.

Drivers can be nominated for the program, and more information on current and past Highway Angel recipients is available at highwayangel.org.

Phil Damme steps in after a rollover

Shortly before 11 p.m. on October 5, 2025, Phil Damme was driving on Interstate 68 in Maryland when he noticed flickering headlights and sparks ahead near Ellicott City. As he slowed, he discovered an overturned semi blocking the roadway.

“He actually turned the whole thing over,” he said, referring to the driver of the crashed truck. “He ended up in the median.”

Damme was one of the first to arrive at the scene. He helped remove the shattered windshield to reach the injured driver trapped inside the cab. Seeing heavy bleeding from the man’s arm, Damme used his own belt as a tourniquet while waiting for emergency responders.

“He was bleeding pretty bad,” Damme said. “I put my belt up above his elbow and tightened it really, really tight to slow down the bleeding.”

Damme later said he believed he was in the right place at the right time and credited his faith for guiding his actions.

Owen Lewis stops to help after an early morning crash

On November 9, 2025, at around 6 a.m., Owen Lewis was traveling westbound on Interstate 80 near Harlan, Iowa, when he witnessed a car crash in the eastbound lanes. He pulled over immediately.

“When I got there, the car was about 100 feet or so off the side of the highway, down in an irrigation ditch,” he said.

Lewis found a young woman who had exited the vehicle. She was not injured but was cold. After contacting emergency services and her parents, she waited in Lewis’ truck to stay warm until the Iowa State Patrol arrived.

Her family later shared their appreciation with Lewis’ employer.

“We are very grateful for his kindness and how he kept her safe and warm until the state trooper got to the scene. Owen is a model employee who your company is lucky to have on board. We appreciate what he did for our daughter yesterday!” wrote Emily Truitt and Toby Knoop.

“I’ve always felt like if something happens, I need to stop and make sure everything is OK,” Lewis said.

Marco Medel Morga rescues passengers from a burning vehicle

Around 12:30 p.m. on July 15, 2025, Marco Medel Morga was traveling east on Interstate 88 near Kaneville, Illinois, when he witnessed a serious crash just ahead of him.

“I was so close to hitting them — but I got lucky,” he said.

Morga pulled over and ran to the scene, where one of the vehicles had caught fire.

“The car was on fire, and nobody was getting out of it,” Morga said. “I got nervous about the people in the car. I had to go help them.”

He helped one passenger escape from the burning vehicle. The other occupant was also able to exit safely before emergency crews arrived.

John Bradley prevents a medical emergency from escalating

On the morning of September 15, 2025, John Bradley was at a customer location in Richmond when he noticed another driver preparing to pull away after incorrectly hooking up to a trailer. After helping correct the issue, Bradley noticed the driver slump over the steering wheel as the truck began to roll forward.

“I called 911,” said Bradley. “I couldn’t leave him because I knew something was wrong.”

Bradley blocked traffic, climbed into the truck, and brought it to a stop. He stayed with the driver until emergency responders arrived and later learned the driver had experienced a blood sugar emergency.

“I’m glad he was all right,” Bradley said. “I stayed with him until the ambulance came.”

A reminder of what defines the profession

The Highway Angels program highlights moments that reflect the responsibility and character carried by professional drivers every day. These actions often go unseen, but they leave a lasting impact on the people involved.

This story originally appeared in the January February 2026 edition of Truckload Authority, the official publication of the Truckload Carriers Association.

Source: The Trucker

The post Highway Heroes in Action: TCA Highway Angels Make a Difference on the Road appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Here are the drivers whose actions earned them the Highway Angel title, along with the stories behind those moments.

John Patterson

Melton Truck Lines, Tulsa, Oklahoma

While heading to pick up a load in Tulsa on June 9, 2025, John Patterson watched two cars collide right in front of him. One vehicle ended up in a ditch and was filled with smoke. The door was stuck, and the driver was unconscious and bleeding. Patterson forced the door open, got the driver out, and moved him to safety.

“They were trapped; there was a little bit of blood, and there was smoke everywhere,” he said. “That’s why I got them out because there was smoke everywhere.”

The second vehicle had crashed into another ditch with two passengers who only spoke French. Patterson broke the window, pulled them out, and used his medical kit to treat their injuries.

“Somebody was in danger, somebody was hurt and stuck,” Patterson said. “If it were you, you’d want somebody to come help you.”

Dee Leatherwood

Melton Truck Lines, Tulsa, Oklahoma

On July 10, 2025, near Atlanta, Dee Leatherwood spotted smoke and sparks under a pickup. When the driver stopped on the shoulder, Leatherwood noticed a child’s car seat and reacted instantly. He parked, grabbed his extinguisher, and knocked down the flames before they spread.

“I looked at that car seat and luckily there wasn’t a baby in it,” he said. “I kept the fire as low as I could until the fire department arrived.”

His quick response kept the situation from turning catastrophic.

“I wasn’t worried about anything other than if there was a little one inside that pickup truck,” he said. “I would hope that anyone would do that in that situation, whether they had a fire extinguisher or not.”

Kevin Wojtasiak

Bay and Bay Transportation, Eagan, Minnesota

Just before dawn on June 29, 2025, Kevin Wojtasiak witnessed a vehicle completely engulfed in flames on Interstate 35 in Minnesota. He stopped immediately and helped the driver and three passengers get to safety, offering water and reassurance while waiting for emergency crews.

“They hit a deer. I saw a dead deer in the road, and all of a sudden I saw a flaming vehicle,” he said. “A fire extinguisher wouldn’t have done any good. The vehicle was totally engulfed in flames.”

With more than two million safe miles, Wojtasiak’s reaction was no surprise to those who know him.

“We are incredibly proud of Kevin for his heroic actions,” said Savannah Snelgrove, marketing manager at Bay and Bay Transportation. “He represents the highest standards of our company and the trucking industry as a whole. Being named a TCA Highway Angel is a well-deserved honor.”

Amy Cataldo

Boyle Transportation, Billerica, Massachusetts

Early in the morning near Amarillo on September 24, 2025, Amy Cataldo watched a truck overturn in front of her during wet road conditions. She slowed, hit her flashers, called 911, and ran to help the injured driver.

“His tires went off the road. It was in a construction zone, it had been raining, and there was mud from the construction on the road. I feel so bad for this driver,” she said.

The driver was disoriented and bleeding. Cataldo stayed with him and kept him calm until help arrived.

“The poor kid was really cut up. He was bleeding on his arms and his knuckles,” she said.
“What I did was what I would hope any other driver would do.”

Alexander Smith

Melton Truck Lines, Tulsa, Oklahoma

At about 2 a.m. on June 18, 2025, during heavy rain on Interstate 44, Alexander Smith watched a car hydroplane after passing him and another truck. The vehicle flipped multiple times before landing upright in the ditch. The other truck kept going, but Smith stopped and ran to the wreck.

“Honestly, after watching what happened, I thought, There’s no way this guy is alive,” Smith said.

The driver survived with cuts and scrapes and asked Smith to help find his phone. Smith got him out of the car, called 911, and stayed with him until responders arrived.

“I stopped because I was there,” Smith said. “Who else was gonna do it? I believe that you’re put in places for a reason.”

Kevin Olsen

Truline Corp., Las Vegas, Nevada

On June 4, 2025, Kevin Olsen saw a motorcyclist lose control and crash on U.S. 89 North in Garden City, Utah. With no cell service in the area, Olsen checked on the rider, who was having trouble breathing.

“I came to a stop and went to assess the situation,” he said. “He was having trouble breathing. I think it was as a result of the impact with the road.”

He provided ibuprofen and water and remained on scene for more than ninety minutes until help could be reached through another motorist’s satellite phone. He also slowed traffic to prevent additional crashes.

“I didn’t want to leave him hanging,” Olsen said. “I ride a motorcycle myself, and this easily could have been me. I felt like it was my responsibility to make sure he was taken care of.”

Jeanine Reinhard

Halvor Lines Inc., Superior, Wisconsin

At a weigh station in Kuttawa, Kentucky, on June 17, 2025, Jeanine Reinhard noticed another truck blocking the exit. When she walked up to the cab, she saw the driver was unresponsive and using an oxygen tank.

“I said, Are you okay? ‘” she said. “He couldn’t talk, so I said, Do you need medical attention”

She tried calling 911 and could not get an answer, but managed to reach the Kentucky State Police through another county. She stayed with the driver until first responders removed him from the truck and cleared the path.

“He was an older gentleman; hopefully, he was okay,” Reinhard said.

Terry Walde

Searcy Trucking Ltd., Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada

On May 27, 2025, around midday on Highway 1 in Saskatchewan, Terry Walde slowed for debris and quickly realized a cyclist had been struck in a hit-and-run by a semi. The injuries were severe, and another driver called 911 while Walde tended to the victim.

“I saw the bicycle and I also saw the guy lying there beside the bicycle,” Walde said.

The cyclist suffered fractures and had trouble breathing. Tire tracks showed the truck had run over the victim before leaving the scene.

“You could see the right tire tracks of the tractor-trailer went right over him on the grass,” Walde said.

Walde stayed for hours directing traffic until emergency crews arrived. Dash cam footage from his company later helped identify the hit-and-run driver.

“I’m old school, it’s the way I was taught,” Walde said. “We help each other.”

Recognizing Drivers Who Go Above and Beyond

Recipients receive a certificate, lapel pin, patches, and truck decals. Their companies are also recognized for their drivers’ actions. Since the Highway Angels program began in 1997, nearly fourteen hundred drivers have been honored.

Want to nominate a fellow driver or learn more about TCA Highway Angels? Visit highwayangel.org to read stories, submit nominations, and celebrate the heroes of the road.

Source: The Trucker

The post Honoring Highway Angels Who Stepped Up When It Mattered Most appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Their actions earned them the Truckload Carriers Association’s Highway Angel award, an honor reserved for professional drivers who go above and beyond to help others on the road.

On the morning of February 11, Ford was heading west on Highway 64 when he came across a car that had flipped onto its side and was starting to smoke. Inside were two women and a child trapped in the wreck.

Without hesitating, Ford parked his truck safely on the shoulder, called 911, and ran toward the vehicle. Almost at the same moment, another Penske driver, Dan Svec, arrived at the scene and stopped to assist.

“I almost cried right there because he stopped, because nobody else would,” Ford later recalled.

Working together with another motorist, the two drivers managed to free everyone from the car. Ford focused on helping the young boy, who seemed unharmed, while Svec pulled the two women out through a broken side window. One woman appeared to have a cut on her ankle, but thanks to their quick thinking and calm response, everyone made it out safely before emergency crews arrived.

“I’m glad we could be there to help,” Ford said.

Their story is a reminder of what truckers do best, showing courage, compassion, and professionalism even when off the clock.

Since its start in August 1997, the TCA Highway Angel program has recognized nearly 1,500 professional drivers who have stepped up during emergencies. Through the support of EpicVue, along with DriverFacts and Northland Insurance, the program continues to honor drivers like Ford and Svec who reflect the best of the trucking community.

For many in the industry, it is stories like this that highlight the real heart of trucking, being the one who pulls over when others do not.

Image Source: TCA, Truckers News

Other Source: Truckers News

The post Two Penske Drivers Recognized as Highway Angels After Rescuing Crash Victims appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

This annual award is TCA’s way of recognizing and celebrating the incredible acts of bravery and kindness shown by professional truck drivers.

Out of five exceptional finalists, the top three with the most votes will be honored as the 2025 Highway Angels of the Year. These awards will be presented at the TCA Annual Convention, taking place March 15-18, 2025, in Phoenix.

Meet the 2025 TCA Highway Angels of the Year Finalists

TCA’s Highway Angels website highlights the inspiring stories behind this year’s impressive finalists:

• Andrew Inlow (Booneville, Miss., Maverick Transportation): Known for his generosity, Andrew spent $1,000 of his own money to feed hundreds of people in Asheville, N.C., who were affected by Hurricane Helene. He even went door-to-door at a Days Inn, offering food to guests in need.

• Jason Corino (Deltona, Fla., Melton Truck Lines): Jason made headlines for stopping his truck during a roadside traffic stop in Cortez, Colo., to shield motorists from an active shooter, putting his own life at risk to protect others.

• Michael Dorsey (Porter, Texas, Mercer Transportation Co.): Michael’s quick-thinking actions saved flood victims in Tennessee during the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. He used his trailer to shield and protect those stranded by historic rainfall.

• Joseph Carroll (London, Ontario, Canada, Elgin Motor Freight): Joseph demonstrated remarkable strength and compassion by rescuing a trucker trapped after a major crash. He lifted a heavy roof off the driver, who was buried under the truck’s contents. Since the incident, Joseph has stayed in touch with the driver he saved.

• Daljit Sohi (Triple Eight Transport Inc.): Daljit didn’t just stop at a good deed — when he noticed a woman had dropped her purse at a rest stop, he drove three hours to return it. The purse contained $1,100 in cash, a gold chain, credit cards, and identification. Despite being offered $500 as a reward, Daljit refused any payment.

Cast Your Vote Today!

Help select the 2025 Highway Angels of the Year by casting your vote today! click here to vote.

About the Highway Angels Program

With the support of sponsors like EpicVue, DriverFacts, and Northland Insurance, TCA recognizes over 75 Highway Angels each year. Since the program’s inception in 1997, more than 1,300 professional drivers have been honored for their acts of kindness and heroism.

About TCA

The Truckload Carriers Association, headquartered in Alexandria, Va., represents operators of nearly 210,000 trucks and generates more than $38 billion in annual truckload revenue.

Celebrate the heroes of the road—vote now and show your support for these extraordinary professional drivers!

Source: Land Line

The post Voting Now Open for TCA Highway Angels of the Year Award appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.