In a well-deserved acknowledgment of heroism, bravery, and selflessness, the Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) has awarded Gannon Sanders from Shelbyville, Tenn., with the title of TCA Highway Angel. Sanders, who operates under Lew Thompson & Son—a Covenant Logistics Company based in Huntsville, Ark.—earned this recognition for his quick and decisive actions during a medical emergency.
Sanders’ story unfolded around 3 p.m. on Oct. 18 at a farm in Shelbyville, where he was tasked with picking up live chickens for a delivery. A member of the catch crew team, responsible for loading chickens into cages, experienced a sudden medical emergency and ceased breathing. Despite the presence of multiple individuals on the farm, a sense of panic paralyzed almost everyone as their colleague lay unresponsive.
In a critical moment, Gannon Sanders stepped forward. His swift response played a pivotal role in saving the man’s life.
“I jumped right in and started doing what I had to do. He was unresponsive, and he turned blue and cold,” Sanders said. “I ran over there and was on the phone with 911 — she walked me through CPR, which I did on him for seven to eight minutes until the paramedics arrived on the scene.”
Sanders’ perseverance in continuing CPR until he detected a faint pulse and shallow breathing was remarkable.
“It was very scary; I ain’t gonna sit here and tell you it was a walk in the park because it wasn’t. In that situation, I was scared — I was fearing for his life,” Sanders said.
The man has since fully recovered and has expressed gratitude to Sanders for his life-saving intervention.
“It’s nothing on my end; it’s the glory of God that gave me the strength to do that,” Sanders said.
This incident underscores the profound impact that truck drivers can have, embodying the spirit of the TCA Highway Angels program. Since its inception in August 1997, the TCA Highway Angels program has recognized nearly 1,300 professional truck drivers for their acts of courage and kindness. Gannon Sanders’ inclusion in this esteemed group exemplifies the often unsung heroism that exists within the trucking community, showcasing the industry’s capacity to make a positive difference in the lives of others.
Source: The Trucker
