Sieczkarski, a company driver for Melton Truck Lines, was driving on Interstate 10 on April 18 outside of Houston when he saw another truck parked sideways in floodwater.
“I was getting closer to him, and I noticed the water was moving really fast. As I was looking at the truck as I was getting closer, I saw the driver in the truck,” Sieczkarski said.
The driver was still in the cab. Sieczkarski found a safe place to park his own truck then circled back around to check on the other driver.
With the help of some other motorists, some rope and a life jacket, Sieczkarski maneuvered himself through the floodwaters to the stuck truck. The other driver clung to him as Sieczkarski swam them back toward dry land against the forceful waters. The other motorists were helping to pull them back with the rope.
Daniel Sieczkarski (Image Courtesy of Daniel Sieczkarski)“I opened up the door, he came out, I grabbed him the best way I could and that was it. We turned at the same time and looked at the people on the embankment, and I told them I was ready to let go and for them to pull,” Sieczkarski said.
They dipped under the water multiple times but made it back to dry land safely. Almost an hour later, the truck belonging to the driver Sieczkarski rescued had been completely submerged in the floodwaters.
Sieczkarski is being recognized for his heroic efforts by the Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) as a Highway Angel, according to a Sept. 8 TCA release.
Sieczkarski and the driver he helped rescue still talk every day. They’re now best friends for life, Sieczkarski says. He says he was taken by surprise when he was named a Highway Angel.
“I wasn’t really expecting it, because that’s not how I am. A lot of people ask me why did I do it, and I tell them honestly I lost my wife three years ago due to a massive heart attack. I didn’t know this person at all, I didn’t know if this guy had a family, wife, kids or anything so I did what I had to do and jumped in to save him and that was it,” Sieczkarski said.
Watch the video below to see Sieczkarski complete the rescue.
