Goodyear North America Names Highway Hero Finalists

Goodyear has announced the finalists for its 27th annual Goodyear North America Highway Hero Award. They comprise a Pennsylvania truck driver used his rig as a “roadblock” to stop an out-of-control car; an Arkansas truck driver extinguished a fire and rescued a trapped fellow trucker whose legs were burning after a crash; a Massachusetts truck driver noticed a burning vehicle more than a quarter-mile off the highway on which he was driving, and made an effort to save the unconscious driver; and an Oregon driver who had his own rig struck in a multi-vehicle accident was able to pull one trapped driver from a burning car and contribute to the rescue of two others from another vehicle.

“These four individuals represent the thousands of professional truck drivers who work every day across North America. Each year, this program offers an opportunity for recognition of those who put their lives on the line to help others,” said Joseph Copeland, vice president for commercial tyre systems for The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company. They are: George Lantzy, of Turtle Creek, Pennsylvania; Jesse Lee Seal, of Alma, Arizona; Stephen Page, of Gloucester, Massachusetts; and Junichi Shimizu, of Gladstone, Oregon; were named finalists today for trucking’s most prestigious award for heroism.

“This year, our honoured truck drivers all risked their own safety to rescue strangers who were in peril.  In one case, three people were rescued following a fiery accident, but one of the drivers perished, and our thoughts and prayers go out to this family.  Time after time, truck drivers have emerged as bona fide heroes.  When motorists have needed help, truck drivers have stopped to help, and put themselves in harm’s way,” Copeland said.