Acts of courage and compassion often happen quietly on America’s highways. When they do, the Truckload Carriers Association recognizes those moments through its Highway Angels program, honoring professional drivers who step in when others are in danger.
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
