Four Drivers Named Finalists for 25th Goodyear Highway Hero Award

Goodyear has announced the four finalists for its 25th annual North America Highway Hero Award. The finalists include two professional truck drivers who dove into chilly, murky waters to pull victims to safety in separate incidents; a Canadian driver who perished while trying to save others; and a New Mexico driver who rescued a pregnant woman from a brutal attack after she was run over by her boyfriend’s truck. The finalists were Rick Tower, of Yreka, California; Richard Filiczkowski, of Bountiful, Utah; the late David Glenn Virgoe, of Innisfil, Ontario; and Ronnie Greene, of Regina, New Mexico.

“Each year, we are amazed by truck drivers from the U.S. and Canada, who put their lives on the line to help others. On this 25th anniversary of the Goodyear Highway Hero program, we truly are in awe of these brave men and women who travel our highways,” said Steve McClellan, Goodyear’s vice president for commercial tire systems.

“This year, we are honouring one driver posthumously, and our thoughts and prayers go out to his family as well as those of the victims who lost their lives on North American roads and highways. Time and again, truck drivers have emerged as bona fide heroes. When motorists needed help, they’ve stopped and put themselves in harm’s way,” McClellan said.

One driver will be named the 2007 Goodyear North America Highway Hero at the Truck Writers of North America annual banquet and receive a $10,000 U.S. Savings Bond, a plaque and a specially designed ring. The other finalists will receive a $5,000 U.S. Savings Bond and plaque. (Tire Review/Akron)