Brad Holthaus, Publisher
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Among the many announcements crammed into the Mid-America Trucking Show every year, one of my favorites is the Goodyear North America Highway Hero award. We all know there’s no shortage of negative bias against trucks, so it’s a delight to hear of truckers who’ve gone out of their way, often risking their own well-being, to rescue a stranger.
This year’s winner is FedEx Freight driver Edward Regener of Perris, Calif., who escaped one fire and jumped into another to save the lives of two men trapped in their burning car. Regener received a $10,000 U.S. savings bond and a Highway Hero ring.
The finalists included: Elizabeth Pavlista, a driver for B.J. Cecil Trucking; Richard Miner, a driver for Saia Motor Freight; and Marlon Marum, a driver for Con-way Freight.
Organizers say virtually all the nominees each year are company drivers. Apparently, carrier personnel seem more attuned to noting the outstanding performances of company drivers and publicizing them.
More heroic owner-operators should have their names submitted – if not by carriers they lease to, then by themselves or someone else. If you know of a worthy owner-operator, make sure he or she gets nominated.
To be considered for next year’s award, nominations must be made by Nov. 30. Criteria and nomination forms are available by visiting this site and searching for “hero.” If you lack online access, call the Goodyear Highway Hero Hotline, (330) 796-8183.
