TowZone

Notification from Dave's Heavy Towing (Hillsbough, NJ) PSA - Yes, one of our trucks was on the side of I287s in Bernard's Township. The box truck we were towing was struck by a car that inadvertently traveled onto the shoulder of the highway. All parties involved are ok. Thanks to everyone who has reached out..your concern is very much appreciated. SLOW DOWN AND MOVER OVER!!! We all have someone waiting for us at home.

Ohio's Move Over Law requires motorists to cau- tiously shift over one lane – or slow down if it is not possible to change lanes – when driving by any vehicle with flashing lights on the side of a road. Its purpose is to protect everyone who works on our roads and everyone who travels on them. https://www.transportation.ohio.gov/about-us/resources/move-over

Note: Yes, the Ohio Law is Move Over Slow Down OSP targeting drivers who don't 'move over and slow down' How dangerous is your job? For those who work on the side of busy highways, all it takes is a second for a distracted driver to hit someone working on the road. On Wednesday, three construction workers were struck in the Medina area while working on State route 18. They are expected to be okay. "We've had too many of our ODOT workers struck. We've had too many of our people struck, ok? I've been hit myself!" That's what one Trooper told a driver he pulled over at a targeted construction zones in Trumbull County last week who did not "move over and slow down." The "move over" law requires all drivers to move over to an adjacent lane when approaching any vehicle with flashing or rotating lights parked on the roadside. "Tragically, troopers have been involved in more than 51 move over-related crashes since 2017. Two of those resulted in death and 41 injuries to motorists and troopers alike." said Sgt. Ray Santiago with OSP. "This includes ODOT vehicles, utility companies and tow truck workers as well. Last year over 154 ODOT workers, vehicles and equipment were struck. Already this year 83 workers, vehicles and equipment have been struck before Memorial day," according to ODOT public information officer, Ray Marsch. Resource Link with Video

We are counting down until the end of May and this may be the least responses of any membership anniversary list. But, then May is generally a slow month on the message board. Something to do with the change of seasons. Note: TowForce continues to ask for new supporters as we enter into the Tow Show time of year and funds are low. Current Sponsors up for renewal will see those emails within the next week. Thank you for your continued support and we will see you at an industry event soon. TowForce Supporter Levels Start at - $29.00/yr. for Patron Level I Supporter - click here - $50.00/yr. for Patron Level II Supporter - click here - $75.00/yr. for Patron Level III Supporter - click here - $200.00/yr. for Patron Level III Supporter - click here Supporters for these Sponsorship Levels are also needed: - Silver Click Here - - Gold Click Here - Gold Plus Click Here - - Platinum Click Here (These 4 Sponsorship Levels are discounted this month, send me an inbox for a code).

Vigil held for tow truck driver killed in crossfire DECATUR, Ga. - A woman widowed when her husband was shot and killing by crossfire described him during a community vigil on Saturday evening in Decatur. "He gave — loved. He was an example of love to everybody." More than 100 people packed the Chevron gas station on Columbia Drive in Decatur to say goodbye to Christopher Harrold. The tow truck driver was gunned down during an argument that didn't involve him this week. Harrold owned Fast-Action Towing and was training another driver at the pump when the dispute turned to gunfire. Harrold leaves behind a wife and five children. "I was in shock—I was numb," the man's wife said. The accused shooter, Victor Richardson, is in DeKalb County Jail. He is charged with murder and aggravated assault. "He's the prime example of what they say Christians are supposed to be," Harrold's wife said. "I'm thankful you were an example for other people to give no matter what." Resource Link with News Video

Police Searching For Jabril Ali Wanted In Shooting Of Tow Truck Driver

05.15.22: Colorado Law Makers Pass HB21-1283 "Vehicle Towing Consumer Protection" also known as the Towing Bill of Rights" https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/hb21-1283

Why bother wrapping it... It looks just fine, just missing the company name. You'll part ways with it before the summer is out and on to the next one. LOL

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Is your company doing anything to bring awareness to Mental Health Issues either in the Workplace or in Personal Lives in General? Everyone you meet is fighting battle and it could be demons you know nothing about. If you can relate, be kind to them as it is often those demons will push you away. This May, reach out to someone you know.

What does that even mean to those in Towing & Recovery! Growing up it meant Dad having the camper ready to head out no later than 5pm Friday. When I entered into the realm of towing weekends disappeared or they were something others were doing. I knew I was paying a price, looking back I didn't know how high of a price that would be. There are professions that change the course, not having as much time with friends and family may be one of those things. Not being able to attend events or having to leave at anytime. Not having a regular shedule, sleeping odd hours or a few hours at a time. While many in the industry now work shifts it seems, that not how it was when I started. So, what does TGIF mean to you? Tow Truck Operator, Dispatcher, Sales, Owner, etc. This could have a different meaning to each of these positions. I have know owners that walk out on Friday and don't look back until Monday. They placed others in the positions to keep it running, they are not needed. Then there are even more owners that getting away from the business is nearly impossible. I also want to hear from Industry Providers, I'm not sure I know many that hate taking their weekend to go to a Tow Show or Event. However, in other industries the salespersons to not want to be there. So, what does TGIF mean to you, if anything? Seriously, It means nothing to me!

Thanks for the reply Rob, we continue to have Patrons respond with what can I do to help. Renewals are what TowForce Supporters can do to keep this message board afloat. Here are the Supporter Levels for those who have not asked. TowForce Supporter Levels Start at - $29.00/yr. for Patron Level I Supporter - click here - $50.00/yr. for Patron Level II Supporter - click here - $75.00/yr. for Patron Level III Supporter - click here - $200.00/yr. for Patron Level III Supporter - click here Supporters for these Sponsorship Levels are also needed: - Silver Click Here - - Gold Click Here - Gold Plus Click Here - - Platinum Click Here

TowForce Members Celebrate Cinco de Mayo? We must have a few TowForce Members who join in the Festivities on the 5th Day of May. Did you know: May the TowForce be with you on Cinco de Mayo

Provincial police are investigating theft of a sports car stolen from an auto dealership in Goderich. Police learned that on April 15 at 1:47 a.m. two men entered the dealership lot and stole a white 1996 Pontiac Firebird. The thieves used a yellow flatbed tow truck to transport the vehicle from the lot. The Firefird has white rims, a large spoiler, and a snorkel hood. The vehicle is valued at approximately $5,000. The suspect vehicle was last seen travelling southbound on Bayfield Road. Please see a photo of the suspect vehicle below. If you have information that can assist investigators, please contact Huron OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or 519-482-1677. Should you wish to remain anonymous, you can call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or leave an anonymous online message at Crime Stoppers Huron Perth, where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000. https://www.shorelinebeacon.com/news/local-news/police-briefs-1996-firebird-stolen-from-dealership

Tow Truck Operator Shot in Philladelphia, no information available. If anyone has the details and or a link to a news story. Please Add it. I.R.S. Repo Agent was ambushed and shot at the place of business. UPDATED 05.05.22: Chester tow truck driver ambushed while on the job; family wants justice CHESTER, Pennsylvania (WPVI) -- Family and co-workers are demanding justice after a tow truck driver was ambushed while at work in Chester, Pennsylvania.It happened around midnight Tuesday while 38-year-old Jamie King was working for International Recovery Systems, an automotive repossession company. Family and co-workers are demanding justice after a Chester, Pennsylvania tow truck driver was ambushed while at work. In surveillance video obtained by Action News, you can see the alleged gunman pull up, get out of a vehicle and open fire. King was shot multiple times and remains in critical condition. His wife, Nicole King, says he was shot in the stomach, chest and head. There is a bullet in his brain. It caused a lot of swelling and they had to remove most of his skull on the right side of his head," she said. King was sitting in his tow truck outside of International Recovery Systems, waiting for his next repossession assignment when he got out to lock the gate. That's when an orange vehicle pulled up, a person got out and reportedly said a few words before opening fire. "Over the last few years, this job has been increasingly more dangerous due to a lot of things. A lot of desperation out there. No car is worth this nonsense, to be so callous to attempt to take the life of a father and husband. Jamie is a great guy, a loving father and family member. Just to hurt a family over a car is so stupid," said Jeremy Cross, president of International Recovery System. King tried to get away after being shot but he crashed into the building next door. "He's got a long road ahead. He's gonna struggle. It's devastating. He's one of the hardest working men I know," said his mother-in-law, Lisa Dicola. Chester police say they are searching for at least two suspects. Resource Link

There just were not many photos from the Tow Show this year. I know because I watched for them and then searched for them. Even put out a request for them. I did get mixed reviews following the show, no different from past years. Still a good show, probably needs a change of venue. BUt then you cannot please everyone and there are numerous factors to consider when a third of the attendees an half the exhibitors are flying in and out. If I find anyone willing to share images, I will add them to the current topic.

Day Two is coming to a close and we do not have a Sponsorship for today. There is still time to add a supporter status or renew a supporter status. There are 3 Bronze Sponsorship Pending Renewal this month and 2 Bronze Sponsorship that were started on the first day. Those and marked payment pending, if there is a problem Let Me Know. Also, one New Platinum Sponsorship would complete the Mayday Call. Thanks.

I was just asked about upgrades. Yes, current supporters that upgrade to Bronze will recieved extended term depending on the date of renewal. However, this is not the intent of this topic to upgrade Patrons to Sponsors. Our Patrons are just as valued as our Sponsors. We seriously need to assistance of each and every member that can fund this network. We will keep bringing you the quality content every day! For those who can not add a supporter status at this time. As the activity continues to grow, your participtation alone is valued more than you know.

Mayday MayDay! Please Read: Sunday was "May Day" which is a spring holiday and, in some places, a celebration of working people. The terms sound similar, but they have different origins. They are not spelled the same way. I bring this up as I have need to issue a Mayday for TowForce. What does that mean, it means we are in need to 10 Bronze Sponsors in 10 days. The equivalent would work as well and this can be New Sponsors, Returning Sponsors and even Renewing Sponsors. We simply need to cover current expenses within the next 10 days. Also, sponsor renewal invoices for July to June will be going out in a couple of weeks. Thank you for your participation, you make TowForce a great resource in the Towing & Recovery Industry. Now, who will be the first Bronze Sponsor Today? https://www.towforce.net/subscriptions/ Day One: Big Lot - Bronze Day Two: Day Three: Day Four: Day Five: Day Six: Day Seven: Day Eight: Day Nine: Day Ten: Goal Ten Bronze Sponsors or Equal To: https://www.towforce.net/subscriptions/

This is not Heroism to me, this is stupidity. Firefighters is proper gear are on scene, yet the officer has obviously taken the hose from them to extigish the fire. Many things could have gone wrong here. The fire could have flared up for several reason. Without the proper gear or training the officer would have been burnt. The article states the Tow Operator pulled the vehicle from the building with the person inside. That person did not make it and died due to their injuries and by the looks of that dash they were also burned. Are there any Heros, not if the driver did not survive. Yet the officers will likely be recognized as Heros, it's sad that society has given these out as participation trophey's. Here is a Link to the News Story: https://www.koamnewsnow.com/bodycam-oklahoma-highway-patrol-troopers-rush-to-save-suspect-pinned-in-burning-car/ Was the Tow Operator a Hero, yes if they arrived on scene promptly and began removing the vehicle from the building as soon as they arrived. Otherwise NO, however had the person survived them YES they should be recognized with the other. Anyone guess what the odds of that are?