A Louisiana trucker has been recognized for helping a fellow driver whose trailer was on fire.
The Truckload Carriers Association recently named JW “Shorty” Carrington from Columbia, Louisiana, a Highway Angel for informing a fellow truck driver that his rig was on fire, then extinguishing the flames before it got worse. Carrington drives for FTC Transportation based in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
TCA explains:
On June 13, around 2:10 p.m. in Mountain Home, Idaho, Carrington was driving Westbound on Highway 84 near mile marker 90 when he noticed a trailer tire on fire on the rig in front of him.
“I noticed flames that were occasionally shooting off his rear axle,” Carrington said. Without a moment to share, Carrington proceeded to pull up beside the driver, blow his horn, and even rolled down his window to alert the driver.
“You’re on fire! You’re on fire!” Carrington yelled, pantomiming to the driver, who finally understood and pulled over. “His eyes got real big!” Carrington said, when the other driver understood the situation.
Just a few moments later, Carrington pulled over, purposely trying to block traffic to keep the driver safe. Carrington immediately jumped out with his fire extinguisher and put out the fire before it got worse.
TCA has presented him with a certificate, patches, lapel pin, and truck decals. The company has also received a letter acknowledging him as a Highway Angel.
Since the program’s inception in August 1997, nearly 1,300 professional truck drivers have been recognized as Highway Angels for the exemplary kindness, courtesy, and courage they have displayed while on the job.
