In a remarkable display of bravery, George Maxwell, a truck driver from Tampa, Florida, has been recognized with the TCA Highway Angel award for his courageous actions during Hurricane Milton. Working for TransAm Trucking, Inc. based in Olathe, Kansas, Maxwell risked his own safety to rescue a couple stranded during the devastating storm.

According to the Truckload Carriers Association (TCA), on October 10 at approximately 3 a.m. in Plant City, Florida, Maxwell faced extreme weather conditions. As the hurricane approached, he headed to the truck parking lot where his semi-truck was parked. Braving the worsening weather, he drove his personal pickup truck to relocate his semi-truck to a safer, elevated location. However, his plan took an unforeseen turn.

“I’m in the truck,” Maxwell recounted. “I’m watching the water come up higher and it’s getting bad.”

With floodwaters rising swiftly, Maxwell abandoned his efforts to save his pickup truck and concentrated on securing his semi-truck. At that moment, he noticed a dire situation—the owners of the truck parking lot were trapped in their house, which was encircled by chest-deep floodwaters.

“They said they thought they were safe there but it’s not safe,” Maxwell noted, as relentless rain poured and winds gusted at nearly 100 miles per hour.

Navigating the perilous waters, Maxwell reached the couple’s home and guided them to his semi-truck. He offered them shelter and drove them to higher ground, ultimately saving them from life-threatening danger. Unfortunately, Maxwell’s personal vehicle was lost to the flood.

“It’s totally gone,” Maxwell reflected about his ruined pickup truck. Despite the loss, he affirmed his decision, stating, “I would do it again. I just did what I’d hope anyone would do for me.”

Since its inception in August 1997, the TCA Highway Angel program has recognized nearly 1,400 professional truck drivers for their exceptional kindness, courtesy, and courage while on duty. The program is supported by sponsors such as EpicVue, DriverFacts, and Northland Insurance, allowing TCA to honor extraordinary drivers like Maxwell.

Source: Truckers News

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