The Truckload Carriers Association has named Christopher Bishop, a professional driver for Hi Pro Inc., as a recipient of the TCA Highway Angel Award for his actions following a hit-and-run crash involving a motorcyclist in Wichita, Kansas.

Early Morning Emergency in Wichita

The incident happened in the early morning hours of Dec. 13 at approximately 2:15 a.m. CST. Bishop had just left his terminal and was heading to load at the Wichita USPS Processing and Distribution Center when he came upon a disturbing scene on a city roadway.

A motorcycle was lying in a ditch, and its rider was severely injured and positioned in the middle of the road.

“He was just lying in the middle of the road,” Bishop said. “I stopped, and the first thing that ran through my mind was that he was dead.”

Based on what Bishop observed and later camera footage, the motorcyclist appeared to have been struck by a sedan that fled the scene without stopping.

Protecting the Scene and the Victim

Without hesitation, Bishop activated his truck’s flashers and positioned his vehicle to block traffic, creating a barrier between the injured rider and oncoming vehicles. After checking the rider, Bishop realized the man was still alive.

Bishop immediately called 911 and stayed with the victim, keeping him conscious and monitoring his breathing while emergency responders were on the way.

“I kept him talking as much as I could,” Bishop said. “Not long after that, an ambulance and police showed up.”

Emergency crews arrived roughly seven minutes later.

Critical Actions in Dangerous Conditions

Bishop’s actions were especially important given the cold December temperatures and the risks associated with a dark roadway in the early morning hours. By blocking traffic and staying with the injured motorcyclist, Bishop helped prevent further injuries, exposure to the cold, or the possibility of another vehicle striking the victim.

“Sometimes you have to actively be the change you want to see in the world,” he said.

Bishop later expressed disbelief that the driver responsible for the crash failed to stop.

“They didn’t stop; I couldn’t imagine doing that to someone and not stopping to check on him — that’s crazy,” he said.

Recognition From the Truckload Carriers Association

The TCA Highway Angel Award recognizes professional truck drivers who demonstrate extraordinary kindness, courage, and professionalism while on the road. Since the program began in August 1997, nearly 1,500 drivers have been honored for actions that go beyond the job description.

The Highway Angel program is made possible through the support of presenting sponsor EpicVue and supporting sponsors DriverFacts and Northland Insurance.

More information about the TCA Highway Angel program and nomination details is available at the TCA Highway Angel website.

Source: Truckers News

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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

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The Truckload Carriers Association has honored Daniel Garcia, a driver for Warren Transport, with a TCA Highway Angel Award after his actions helped prevent a dangerous car fire in Dallas.

What Garcia noticed on the road

Early in the morning on Aug. 10, 2025, at around 6 a.m., Garcia was driving through Dallas when something ahead of him did not look right. Flames were visible underneath a passenger vehicle traveling in front of his truck.

When the motorist pulled over, Garcia did not hesitate. He stopped his truck in front of the vehicle and moved quickly to alert the driver to the danger.

“She was not aware that there was fire on the chassis,” he said. “I told her ‘Do you know your car is on fire?’ and she said ‘No …oh my god!’.”

Using training and equipment to stop the fire

Garcia retrieved a fire extinguisher from his truck and went straight to work. Flames were coming from the engine compartment, and the situation could have escalated rapidly.

His fast response stopped the fire before it reached the oil pan, which could have led to serious damage or injury.

“I told her that she had an oil leak and she was lucky the fire didn’t catch up to the oil,” he said. “We caught it on time — we were just lucky.”

Why the response mattered

Vehicle fires can spread in seconds, especially when oil or fuel is involved. By pulling over, warning the motorist, and using his fire extinguisher immediately, Garcia prevented a situation that could have turned catastrophic.

His actions reflect the kind of awareness and preparedness that many professional drivers carry with them every day, often without recognition.

Part of a long-standing Highway Angel tradition

Since the Highway Angel program began in August 1997, nearly 1,500 professional truck drivers have been recognized for acts of kindness, courage, and professionalism on the road.

With support from the program’s presenting sponsor EpicVue and supporting sponsors DriverFacts and Northland Insurance, TCA continues to spotlight drivers who go beyond their job description to help others.

For truck drivers, stories like Garcia’s are a reminder that the skills and equipment carried in the cab are not just about compliance. At the right moment, they can save lives.

Source: Truckers News

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The Truckload Carriers Association has officially named Lewis its newest Highway Angel, recognizing the calm, quick, and compassionate way he handled a crash he came across in western Iowa.

According to TCA, Lewis was rolling westbound near Harlan around 6 a.m. on November 9 when he saw a car heading the opposite direction suddenly lose control and wreck.

“I thought, ‘Okay, let’s make sure everything is okay,” he said. After pulling over, Lewis made his way down toward the vehicle, which had landed roughly 100 feet off the highway in an irrigation ditch.

When he reached the scene, he found a young woman named Cora climbing the embankment. She was not hurt, but she was shaken and freezing. After calling 911 and her parents, she took shelter inside Lewis’s truck to warm up until troopers arrived. She told him she had fallen asleep at the wheel.

Her parents later reached out to Lewis’s employer with a message that every driver can appreciate.

“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,” Emily Truitt and Toby Knoop.

Lewis says helping was never a question. “I have always felt like if something happens, I need to stop and make sure everything is okay.”

He joins nearly 1,500 other professional drivers recognized since the TCA Highway Angel program began in 1997. Supported by EpicVue, DriverFacts, and Northland Insurance, the program continues spotlighting the drivers who show real heart out on the highway.

For truckers like Lewis, it is just another day doing the right thing, but the impact lasts far longer.

Source: Truckers News

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The Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) recently named Damme its newest Highway Angel, recognizing his quick thinking and courage during a late-night crash near Ellicott City.

A Split-Second Decision That Saved a Life

On the night of October 5, around 10:51 p.m., Damme was hauling through the mountain passes when he noticed something unusual flash of headlights, then sparks lighting up the pavement ahead. “He actually turned the whole thing over,” Damme said, describing the wrecked truck. “He ended up in the median.”

Realizing a serious crash had just occurred, Damme slowed his rig and pulled over. He was one of the first to arrive, along with another motorist who had narrowly avoided the accident. The overturned semi blocked the road, and debris was scattered across the lanes.

Without hesitation, Damme jumped into action. He and the other driver worked together to break through the shattered windshield and reach the injured trucker trapped inside. Seeing that the man was bleeding heavily from his arm, Damme removed his own belt and used it as a tourniquet.

“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.”

His fast response likely saved the driver’s life before emergency crews arrived.

Humility Behind the Heroism

After the incident, Damme was personally thanked for his bravery, though he’s not one to seek attention. Known among his peers for his faith and steady character, he simply called it a moment of being in the right place at the right time.

His actions represent what so many in trucking already know: drivers look out for one another. Whether it’s sharing advice, lending a tool, or stepping up in a crisis, that bond runs deep across the highways of America.

A Tradition of Recognizing Trucking’s Heroes

Damme joins a long line of professional drivers honored by the TCA Highway Angel program, which has recognized nearly 1,500 drivers since it began in August 1997. Each recipient represents the compassion and professionalism that keep the industry strong.

Thanks to the program’s presenting sponsor EpicVue, along with supporting sponsors DriverFacts and Northland Insurance, the TCA continues to highlight drivers who go beyond the call of duty to help others on the road.

For many truckers, stories like Damme’s are reminders that while the job can be tough and unpredictable, the heart of the industry is built on courage, kindness, and community.

Source: Truckers News

Image: TCA

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

Cataldo immediately slowed her own truck, turned on her four-way flashers to warn oncoming traffic, and called 911. Then she rushed to the scene to check on the driver, who was disoriented and bleeding.

“The driver was out of the truck, but he was really confused,” she said. “The poor kid — he was really cut up — he was bleeding on his arms and his knuckles.”

For several tense minutes, Cataldo stayed with him, providing reassurance and care until emergency responders arrived. Her actions not only prevented further accidents in the area but also ensured the injured driver was not alone during a critical time.

“What I did was what I would hope any other driver would do,” Cataldo said.

TCA Highway Angel Program

The TCA Highway Angel program, which began in August 1997, recognizes professional truck drivers who demonstrate exceptional kindness, courage, and courtesy on the road. Since its inception, nearly 1,500 drivers have been honored for going above and beyond while on the job.

Thanks to the support of EpicVue, the presenting sponsor, and DriverFacts and Northland Insurance as supporting sponsors, the program continues to shine a spotlight on drivers like Cataldo, whose actions highlight the best of the trucking community.

Image Source: TCA, Truckers News

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The Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) has officially recognized Smith as its newest Highway Angel, an honor reserved for drivers who go above and beyond to help others during emergencies.

A Dangerous Night on I-44

It was just after 2 a.m. on June 18 when Smith was hauling westbound on Interstate 44 through heavy rain. As any truck driver knows, wet pavement on Oklahoma highways can turn slick fast, and that night, it did.

Smith said a car passed him and another semi ahead of him, then suddenly lost control.

“I realized the guy was doing flips — he was doing them right in front of the other semi,” Smith recalled. “All the airbags were deployed. Honestly, after watching what happened, I thought there’s no way this guy is alive.”

The car hydroplaned, spun several times, and came to rest on the shoulder. The truck in front of Smith kept going, but Smith immediately slowed down, pulled safely to the side, and ran toward the wreck.

A Quick Response That Made All the Difference

When he reached the vehicle, Smith found the driver conscious but dazed, with visible cuts and scrapes.

“The guy was just sitting there looking at me,” Smith said. “Obviously, he was in shock, but the first thing he said to me was, ‘Can you help me find my phone?’”

Smith helped the young man out of the car, moved him to a safe distance from the highway, and called 911. While they waited for first responders, Smith made sure the injured driver stayed calm and alert.

The victim had only minor injuries, a remarkable outcome considering the severity of the crash.

“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.”

A Highway Hero in the Making

Smith’s story is a reminder of how often truck drivers become first responders simply because they’re there when accidents happen. Every day, drivers like Smith see situations unfold that few others would ever witness, and many, like him, don’t hesitate to help.

Through its Highway Angel program, the TCA honors truckers who show courage and compassion on the road. Since the program began, more than 1,300 drivers have received the recognition.

For Smith, though, it wasn’t about the spotlight, just doing what he knew was right.

Image Source: TCA
Source: The Trucker

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The Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) honored Tyler as its newest Highway Angel for stepping in during a dangerous vehicle fire along Interstate 670 near the Kansas–Missouri state line.

A Split-Second Decision at 4:28 A.M.

In the early morning hours of August 17, Tyler was on his way back from Denver when he noticed flames erupting from the engine area of a disabled car. Without hesitation, he pulled over, grabbed his fire extinguisher, and rushed toward the scene.

“The two occupants were still in the vehicle,” Tyler said. “Without opening the hood, because I could feel the heat off the hood already, I was trying to use the fire extinguisher inside the grill; anything to try to get the fire out.”

Thanks to his quick action, the occupants were able to escape unharmed. But as the fire spread, they attempted to return to the vehicle for personal belongings. Tyler immediately called 911—realizing no one else had done so—and urged them to move a safe distance away. After his extinguisher was emptied, he directed traffic around the burning car until first responders arrived.

A Soldier’s Instinct to Protect

For Tyler, who served 22 years in the U.S. Army before becoming a truck driver six years ago, stepping in came naturally.

“If you see people in trouble, you try to help them out,” he said.

His company, ABF Freight, praised his selflessness.

“Joshua exemplifies the very best of our industry — courage, integrity, and a commitment to protecting others,” said Jordan Gosvener of ABF Freight. “We are proud to see him recognized as a TCA Highway Angel. His actions demonstrate the professionalism and compassion that define America’s truck drivers.”

The Highway Angel Legacy

Launched in 1997, the TCA Highway Angel program honors drivers who go above and beyond to help others, both on and off the highway. With this recognition, Tyler joins an esteemed group of professional truckers nationwide whose acts of courage and compassion reflect the true spirit of the industry.

Image Source: Joshua Tyler, Truckers News
Source: Truckers News

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The Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) has now recognized Barkey as its newest Highway Angel, honoring her courage and quick thinking.

A Night That Changed Everything

The incident happened late in the evening on June 18 near Mount Vernon, Illinois, as Barkey was heading toward her company’s terminal.

“I stopped on the side of the road because no one had stopped,” Barkey said. “The truck was smoking when I got there, and you could smell fuel.”

She immediately put her hazards on to avoid creating more danger, then called 911.

Breaking Through to Save a Life

“The driver was stuck in there,” Barkey said. “I happened to have a mag light flashlight in my hand, so I beat the window until I got it busted open, and then he was able to kick it out. Of course, I called 911 during all of this, and I stayed on the scene until the officer told me I was good to go. I’m just glad he was okay.”

Her quick actions helped prevent a bad situation from escalating, demonstrating the importance of staying calm under pressure and being willing to take action.

Recognized as a Highway Angel

The TCA Highway Angel program highlights professional drivers who go above and beyond to help others in critical situations. Barkey’s story is now part of a long tradition of truckers proving that the industry is about much more than moving freight — it’s about protecting lives.

For more stories of truckers recognized as Highway Angels, visit the Truckload Carriers Association’s official website.

Source: The Trucker

Image Source: Heather Barkey (Source: TCA)

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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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