At the Truckload Carriers Association’s annual conference in Nashville, professional truck drivers Tony Blunnie of Knight Transportation, Dawna Jacobsen of Erb Transport, and Terry Reavis of Maverick Transportation LLC were recognized as three of the 2023 TCA Highway Angels of the Year.
Tony Blunnie’s courageous act happened on Feb. 15, 2023, when he witnessed a devastating crash while training a driver on Interstate 20 in Jackson, Miss. Despite the danger, Blunnie swiftly intervened, using his in-cab fire extinguisher to battle flames that were rapidly engulfing a van with a female driver trapped inside. Blunnie rescued the trapped driver just moments before the vehicle was completely consumed by fire.
Another honoree, Dawna Jacobsen, demonstrated extraordinary bravery on an evening in December 2022. While driving along Highway 11 in Northern Ontario, she encountered a young snowmobiler who had been struck by a vehicle attempting to cross the highway. Reacting immediately, Jacobsen maneuvered her truck to shield the injured boy from any further harm, signaling other drivers to avoid the scene and ensuring the victim’s safety until emergency help arrived.
Terry Reavis was also recognized as a 2023 TCA Highway Angel of the Year for his heroic actions. On Febr. 19, 2023, while traveling on I-95 in Brunswick, Ga., Reavis witnessed a catastrophic collision involving a pickup truck and an SUV. He rushed to assist without hesitating, rescuing three children from the wreckage and providing aid to an injured woman until emergency responders arrived. Reavis’s 27 years of experience and training as a first responder enabled him to effectively manage the chaotic scene, ensuring no lives were lost despite the severity of the accident.
These remarkable acts of heroism by Tony Blunnie, Dawna Jacobsen, and Terry Reavis exemplify the selflessness and bravery of professional truck drivers on our highways. Their quick thinking and decisive actions in the face of danger saved lives and prevented further harm, earning them well-deserved recognition as TCA Highway Angels of the Year. Their stories serve as a powerful reminder of the vital role truck drivers play in ensuring the safety and well-being of others on the road.
Source: Commercial Carrier Journal
