A Split-Second Decision

It was July 28, 2024. Medley was driving along County Road A in Green Lake, a road he knew well and one that often had debris. But that day, something unusual appeared in his path. At first, it seemed like ordinary roadside clutter. Then he realized it wasn’t debris at all, it was a person lying in the road.

The traffic was coming. The seconds felt longer than they were. Medley didn’t hesitate. He pulled over safely, ran to help the individual, and called local authorities. Police arrived quickly, but it was Medley’s immediate action that made the difference.

Moments like this test a driver’s instincts, and Medley’s reaction was precise, professional, and compassionate.

Recognition From Leaders

Nick Hobbs, chief operating officer at J.B. Hunt, highlighted Medley’s heroism:

“In a moment where every second counted, Adam put the safety and well-being of others first. His actions exemplified integrity and selflessness, and we are excited that Goodyear has recognized him with this year’s Highway Hero Award.”

Joe Burke, vice president of Goodyear North America Commercial, said:

“Adam’s story continues to remind us that professional truck drivers are the unsung heroes of our roads. His quick and professional response to this unexpected situation demonstrates the integrity, dedication, and compassion that define what’s the best of our industry.”

These words reflect not just the courage of one driver but the professionalism and dedication that drivers like Medley bring to their work every day.

The Highway Hero Award

The Goodyear Highway Hero program has been celebrating extraordinary commercial drivers since 1983. It recognizes individuals in the U.S. and Canada who go beyond their normal duties to protect others. Each year, Goodyear invites the trucking community to nominate drivers who have performed acts of bravery, and an independent panel of industry judges chooses winners.

As part of this honor, Medley will receive a cash prize and an exclusive ride on the Goodyear blimp, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year.

Image Source: Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company
Source: Truckers News

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Driving for ABF Freight, based in Fort Smith, Arkansas, Campbell’s selflessness during a critical moment has not gone unnoticed.

The Incident

On March 26, Campbell was traveling along Highway 31 in West Point, Kentucky, when he encountered the aftermath of a serious collision between a pickup truck and a dump truck. The impact caused the dump truck to roll onto its passenger side. Upon seeing the crash, Campbell stopped immediately to offer assistance.

According to Campbell, the situation was dire. He discovered the dump truck driver trapped inside the vehicle’s cab.

“He was too big to go through the windshield,” Campbell explained. “The guy was hurt; he was lying on the passenger door area there.”

Amid alarming signs of danger, including oil and coolant leaking from the truck and smoke rising from the engine, Campbell sprang into action. Concerned about the possibility of a fire, he quickly began planning the driver’s rescue.

The Rescue Effort

Campbell utilized an ABF strap to facilitate the rescue. He described how two other motorists who also stopped to assist coordinated their efforts to safely free the injured driver.

“We pulled him up on the side of the dump truck,” Campbell said, recounting the moments they worked together to save the man.

Fortunately, emergency services arrived shortly after and took control of the scene. The fire department addressed the safety hazards while ensuring the driver received the necessary care.

A Marine’s Sense of Duty

Campbell, a former Marine with 20 years of truck driving experience, demonstrated the courage and commitment to helping others that have defined his career. Reflecting on the experience, he humbly shared his motivation for stopping to help.

“If I can help people, I’ll jump out and try to help them,” he said. “I would hope if I was in that situation, they would stop to help me.”

Celebrating Everyday Heroes

The TCA’s Highway Angel program honors truck drivers like Mark Campbell, who go above and beyond to make a difference on the road. His actions are a powerful reminder of the compassion and bravery that many professional drivers bring to their critical role in society.

Source: Truckers News
Image Source: ABF

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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

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