In The News

Driver recognized as Highway Angel

The Truckload Carriers Association is honoring professional truck driver Richard Koss as a Highway Angel for helping a family at the scene of an accident.

On June 30, Koss was driving from Wausaukee, Wis., to Iron Mountain, Mich., when he saw a vehicle veer to the shoulder of the highway, overcorrect, and then flip over, landing in the middle of the road. As he called 911, he stopped and went to check on the passengers.

He found two adults wandering around on the road, apparently uninjured. He also discovered a baby girl was still inside the car, dangling upside down from her car seat. He tried to free the baby but could not.

“911 told me not to pull the baby out, but just then I noticed smoke coming from the car,” said Koss. “I was afraid it might catch on fire. I couldn’t just leave her there.”

So Koss ran back to his truck and grabbed a fire extinguisher and a multi-purpose tool with a knife he used to cut the baby free from the car. The fire died out and the police arrived to take over. Koss, who was covered with tiny shards of glass, returned to his truck and continued on his route. “You know the U.S. mail can never be late,” he joked, referring to the load he was carrying that day.

A driver for L.R. Vincent Truck & Service Inc., of Kingsford, Mich., Koss received a Highway Angel lapel pin, certificate, and patch for his efforts. L.R. Vincent Truck & Service also received a certificate acknowledging that one of its drivers is a Highway Angel.

Since its inception in August 1997, the Highway Angels program has recognized hundreds of drivers for the unusual kindness, courtesy, and courage they have shown others while on the job. To learn more about the program or to nominate a driver, go to www.truckload.org/highwayangels . For additional information, contact TCA at (703) 838-1950 or [email protected] .

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