TCA honors ABF Freight driver, Army veteran for efforts at fire scene

A national trucking organization has recognized a professional driver for his actions at the scene of a roadside vehicle fire.

The Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) has named Joshua Tyler, a former TMAP instructor and current KCI Road Driver for ABF Freight, a TCA Highway Angel for his quick thinking and selfless actions during a roadside emergency in Kansas City.

TCA explains:

Joshua TylerAt approximately 4:28 a.m. on Aug. 17, Tyler was returning home from Denver when he spotted flames underneath the engine of a disabled vehicle on the shoulder of Interstate 670 eeastbound near the Kansas/Missouri state line. Without hesitation, he pulled his truck over, grabbed his fire extinguisher, and ran to the scene.

“The two occupants were still in the vehicle,” Tyler said. “Without opening the hood, because I could feel the heat off the hood already, I was trying to use the fire extinguisher inside the grill; anything to try to get the fire out.”

The vehicle’s occupants safely exited but were attempting to retrieve personal items as the fire spread. Tyler called 911 when he realized emergency responders had not yet been contacted, and urged the motorists to move a safe distance away. After emptying his extinguisher, Tyler began directing traffic around the burning vehicle until fire crews arrived and took over.

“If you see people in trouble, you try to help them out,” said Tyler, who served for 22 years in the U.S. Army before starting his six-year truck driving career.

Tyler’s company, ABF Freight, is proud of his heroic actions.

“Joshua exemplifies the very best of our industry — courage, integrity, and a commitment to protecting others,” said Jordan Gosvener, from ABF Freight. “We are proud to see him recognized as a TCA Highway Angel. His actions demonstrate the professionalism and compassion that define America’s truck drivers.”

Since its inception in 1997, the TCA Highway Angel program has recognized professional truck drivers who display exemplary kindness, courtesy, and courage while on the job. Tyler now joins a distinguished group of drivers nationwide honored for making a difference on—and off—the road.