TowNews

These vehicles were destroyed in the Marshall Fire https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tp-eWxh0LxI

LIFE WELL LIVED: Faribault tow truck driver remembered for kindness, wisdom on Rasmussen was known for a lot of things, but he was known by most for his caring, but straightforward attitude. He had a long lasting effect on a lot of people. Through his time as the owner of and employee at Glenn’s Towing & Service, Don helped everyone he could. It was through Glenn’s that Don became so well known, but it is thanks to his personality that he will always be well remembered. Don took over his father Glenn’s service station in Faribault in the 1980s, quickly becoming an integral part of the Faribault community. Don always loved to talk to anyone that would listen, whether they were a customer, a longtime friend or a complete stranger, Don would find something to talk about. That said, he wasn’t afraid to speak his mind. “Don was always nice, but he could be hard when he needed to be,” said Steve Bock, the current owner of Glenn’s. “He would always give you a good heart to heart if you needed one,” said Bock, “He told it like it was, but he was also nice and caring.” Don was Bock’s mentor for 12 years, but to Bock, he was more than that, “he was another one of the guys.” In all aspects of his life, Don could never be called just a boss, mentor, or tow truck driver, because he was more than that to everyone that knew him. Don was full of wisdom and loved to share it. Whether he was pumping someone’s gas at Glenn’s or pulling their car out of a ditch, He always had something to say. “Don has become a friend over the years. I met him through the business and he was out there with us through the worst,” said former Rice County Sheriff Troy Dunn. Dunn got to know Don well in his time as sheriff. “Don always tried to teach people to do things the right way from the start. Treated you like family and was always honest. You could call him in the middle of the night, and he would come.” Looking back on his time with Don, Dunn described the bond that Don was able to have with so many people in the community. “Glenn’s is not just a gas station or the place you get your tires fixed; he treated you like a friend. He was a friend,” said Dunn. Don’s friendly and outgoing attitude made him very easy to talk to, even in the middle of the stressful situations that he found himself in daily. “He always had a witty sense of humor and advice whether you wanted it or not,” said Dunn. Like many others, Faribault Fire Chief Dusty Dienst got to know Don well through work. “I spent a lot of time with Don in the ditch over the years, wondering ‘how did this happen?’ Sometimes it was very serious; other times, not as much. He was a nice guy and liked to help,” he said. Don was the kind of person that would do anything to help somebody out in their time of need. His profession is what he was known as to many, and it was an equally big part of his own identity. On the day of his funeral, instead of using a hearse, Don was brought to the cemetery on the back of his iconic yellow flatbed. There was no question that was the way Don wanted to go. As his casket was carried out of the cathedral, all of the Glenn’s employees, family, and friends stood to witness his last ride. It was through this same flatbed and the rest of his fleet of recovery vehicles that Don was able to be there for countless people in his lifetime of serving the community. https://www.southernminn.com/faribault_daily_news/news/article_330cae42-e8a0-568b-95ae-228df1f43e3e.html

Green Bay, WI — One of trucking’s largest carriers is planning to wind down operations in Canada in the next couple of months. In a statement on Friday, Schneider told Transportation Nation Network (TNN) it is changing course regarding its Canadian-based operations. “Despite the dedication and best efforts over many years, Canadian-based operations do not fit within Schneider’s long-term strategic focus,” the mega carrier said. “This decision was difficult.” The change will affect all 150 Canadian-based associates and drivers as the company trucks and equipment will soon transfer to the fleet’s U.S.-based network. Additionally, Schneider is selling its 39-acre Guelph, ON, property at auction later this month. “We expect Schneider will no longer have Canadian-based operations by the end of March. We have notified all our Canadian associates and will remain in regular communication with them over the coming months." The news comes as just last week the company announced its growing its dedicated operations with the acquisition of Ohio-based truckload carrier, Midwest Logistics Systems (MLS). The deal was valued at $263 million and adds over 1,000 professional drivers operating 900 tractors across 30 central U.S. locations. https://www.transportationnation.com/trucking-giant-to-end-operations-in-canada-by-march/

Tow truck driver injured in collision south of Fargo FARGO (KFGO) – A tow truck driver was taken to a Fargo hospital with serious injuries following a head-on collision on I-29 about seven miles south of Fargo Wed. morning. The state patrol says the wrecker, driven by 31-year-old Damian Barglof of West Fargo, was hit by a pickup. The pickup driver lost control on the ice-frost covered highway and crossed the median, striking Barglof’s tow truck. Barglof was inside the truck and not restrained. The pickup driver suffered minor injuries. The collision was reported shortly after 10 a. Resource Link

Tow truck driver seriously hurt after hit by alleged impaired driver on Hwy 19 in Lantzville RESOURCE LINK WITH NEWS VIDEO: https://vancouverisland.ctvnews.ca/impaired-driving-suspected-after-vehicle-strikes-tow-truck-driver-on-vancouver-island-1.5737388 NANAIMO — A tow truck driver is recovering after being struck by an alleged impaired driver on Hwy. 19 north of Nanaimo. RCMP said around 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan.11, 2022, a driver from Mid Island Towing was assisting a pot hole-damaged vehicle parked on the side of Hwy.19 northbound near Rumming Rd., north of Lantzville. The vehicle was one of several vehicles sidelined due to poor highway conditions. While he was outside of his truck, the driver was struck by a passing green Dodge Caravan. He suffered serious, but non-life-threatening injuries, while the driver of the Caravan is accused of driving off. The tow truck driver was transported to hospital, while the Dodge Caravan was located a half-hour later parked in Nanoose Bay. Witnesses of the collision were able to provide RCMP with the van’s license plate number. Police believe the male driver of the Caravan was impaired by alcohol and was arrested. He was taken to the B.C. Highway Patrol (BCHP) office in Parksville where police said his breath sample was over three times the legal limit. The motorist was custody as of Wednesday morning, and his vehicle was seized and will undergo a forensic investigation. Cpl. Mike Halskov from the BCHP said the province’s ‘Slow Down, Move Over’ legislation was created to keep all emergency responders safe from this type of incident. The legislation requires motorists to slow down whenever they see any type of emergency vehicle lights, including tow trucks. “For tow trucks and road crews who are out there preparing the roads, it gives those workers an opportunity to work from a safer vantage point by having vehicles slow down and give them a wide berth so they can make it home to their families at the end of a shift.” The RCMP is looking for any other witnesses to this event. Anyone with information, including any dash cam footage, to please contact BCHP in Parksville at 250-954-2953 and reference file 2022-25. The tow truck driver is expected to make a full recovery. Resource Link

Road ranger seriously injured in I-75 hit-and-run crash; troopers searching for driver WESLEY CHAPEL, Fla. - A road ranger was struck by a driver who fled from the collision, and troopers say they are trying to track down the person behind the wheel. The crash occurred around midnight Wednesday on Interstate 75, north of Overpass Road. According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the road ranger was helping troopers as they investigated a crash in the southbound lanes. They said the road ranger, a 38-year-old man from Tampa, was walking along the closed portions of the roadway, the center, and outside lanes, which were designated by traffic cones and flairs. Troopers said a sedan, described as a silver or light gray Toyota Camry or Corolla, partially entered the center lane and struck the road ranger, who was not publicly identified by FHP. The victim had serious injuries. They said the driver sped away, continuing south on I-75. Troopers managed to get a partial license plate number, "F90." Anyone with information is asked to call FHP at 813-558-1800 or provide an anonymous tip by calling Crime Stoppers at 800-873-8477. Resource Link Road ranger seriously hurt by hit-and-run driver while responding to crash in Pasco, troopers say ASCO COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA) — Florida troopers say they are searching for a driver who took off after hitting a road ranger in Pasco County overnight. According to Sgt. Steve Gaskins with the Florida Highway Patrol, the road ranger was helping troopers investigate a crash on southbound State Road 93 north of Overpass Road when he was hit just after midnight Wednesday. Troopers say the center and outside lanes of the roadway were shut down because of the crash. The road ranger was hit while walking in the closed part of the road, according to the FHP. Gaskins says there were traffic cones and flares to let drivers know the two lanes were closed. Troopers say a car that was driving south in the inside lane partially entered the center lane that was shut down and hit the road ranger. The ranger suffered serious injuries. After the crash, troopers say the car continued driving south at a high speed. The car involved is described as a silver or light gray Toyota Camry or Corolla. Sgt. Gaskins says the license plate number includes “F90.” Anyone with information is asked to call the FHP at 813-558-1800 or Crime Stoppers at 800-873-TIPS. Resource Link

Tow Truck Driver struck by passing vehicle while attending to an accident A tow truck operator was struck by a passing vehicle on Friday evening around 7:15pm on Highway 28 near Range Road 482. Station 3 Glendon and Station 5 Bonnyville were on the scene, as they had responded to a three vehicle collision. A tow truck operator was attempting to hook up to a pickup truck when a passing pickup clipped the operator. The operator was transported to Bonnyville Health Centre via EMS. This incident highlights the importance of people being careful while passing active emergency,” states Regional Fire Chief Dan Heney. Motorists are reminded to slow down to 60 kms an hour when passing an emergency scene. Speed fines double for those who fail to adhere to the limits. Resource Link

MECOSTA TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD) — A first incident happened where a car ended up in the median, only harming the car. While an officer was assisting that crashed vehicle, another car crashed into the scene leaving a passenger dead, a Mecosta County Sheriff’s Office official says. At an unknown time, an official for the Sheriff’s Office says a car single crashed into the median on the road northbound on US-131, south of 8 Mile Road. The official says no one was injured in the first crash. Then just after 11:30 p.m. a tow truck was retrieving the first crashed vehicle from the median and a patrol car was on scene. The official says that is when a car lost control on the ice, clipped the front of the patrol car, and crashed into the back of the tow truck. The car was driven by a 49-year-old woman and the only passenger was a 55-year-old man. Both were from Macomb, Illinois. The driver was transported to Spectrum Health Big Rapids Hospital for non-life threatening injuries. The passenger did not survive the crash. The Mecosta County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by Mecosta County EMS, Mecosta Township Fire/Rescue, Morley Fire/Rescue and the Mecosta County Posse. The crash is still under investigation. Resource Link

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) — A Twin Cities landlord says he almost died after he was assaulted while attempting to get some stolen vehicles towed out of his parking lot. In a post on Nextdoor, Dale Howey of St. Paul says he was helping a tow truck driver remove two stolen vehicles from his lot in the area of 24th Street and Garfield Avenue in Minneapolis when three young men approached. According to a police report, the incident happened during the early morning hours of New Year’s Eve. Howey says he was “sucker punched” by two of the men and kicked repeatedly in the face until the tow truck driver stepped in. “The tow truck driver saved my life,” he wrote. “From the video, they had no intent on stopping the kicking until I was hamburger. Almost died. Not yet. HCMC saved my heart from stopping.” Howey says the men were using his lot for short term stolen vehicle parking. WCCO reached out to Minneapolis police, who confirmed that they’re investigating the case. Resource Link

SHERMAN, Ill. (WICS/WRSP) — A man is hospitalized with serious injuries after a Freightliner crash Thursday morning. Illinois State Police (ISP) says at approximately 5:45 a.m. a Freightliner tow truck crashed at milepost 106 on Interstate 55. The 46-year-old driver from Michigan was traveling southbound on I-55 when the vehicle drove off the roadway into a ditch. The driver tried to drive the vehicle out of the ditch, but as it was coming back onto the roadway it overturned. The driver was taken to a local hospital with serious injuries. Resource Link

City of Louisville files plans for new LMPD auction lot off 7th Street Road LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- The city of Louisville filed development plans to create a new auction lot just inside Interstate 264 near the Taylor Berry neighborhood. In a news release Tuesday, Mayor Greg Fischer announced the city sent plans to Metro Government's Planning and Design Services for the 5.32-acre site at 3502 7th Street Road, just east of Dixie Highway. The plot of land, which the city called "undeveloped," would help alleviate crowding at the much-maligned impound lot on Frankfort Avenue. Broken down and abandoned cars have long been a problem in Louisville. By Oct. 2020, there were more than 5,000 scattered throughout the city, according to a newsletter from Metro Council President David James. For years, however, there was nowhere to put the cars. "Our existing impound lot is a challenge that has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic because of the slowing and stopping of auctions that, in normal circumstances, would help us get cars out of the lot and off the streets," Fischer said in a news release. "We have floated nearly a dozen potential sites to relocate the impound lot, but for one reason or another -- cost, location, flooding -- these locations weren't suitable. Creating a separate auction lot is an innovative solution that will allow us to more quickly move abandoned vehicles off roadways, further addressing my No. 1 priority, public safety." The city said it plans to "beautify" the new lot by planting trees and shrubs, staffing 24-hour security and adding lights and screened fencing. It's a triangular lot that is bordered by two businesses, a vacant lot, a residential property and train tracks, the city said. "LMPD is pleased to move forward with development of a new auction lot and we are appreciative of Metro Facilities for its work to make this a reality," LMPD Maj. Emily McKinley said in a news release. "Abandoned vehicles throughout our community present an extreme safety risk for everyone -- residents, wrecker drivers and police officers. LMPD is committed to improving the safety of our streets and community, and this is one step in that direction." The contract to construct the lot was awarded last month to Louisville-based Auctions ASAP, the city said. The lot would hold in-person auctions twice per month, announced up to a week in advance. "We've been working together for years with our LMPD, Facilities, Louisville Forward, Metro Council and residents, to find solutions to the complicated issues plaguing our impound lot," Fischer said. "The new amnesty ordinance and the development of an auction lot are examples of Louisville Metro Government's commitment to finding innovative solutions to our challenges." Resource Link

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- The disposing of abandoned vehicles in Louisville has been a major problem for many years, but with only two LMPD tow truck drivers tackling all of the abandoned vehicles across the entire city, it's been even worse. Some vehicles at the LMPD Impound Lot on Frankfort Avenue are pressed against the gate and have been collecting rust, green moss and algae. Hundreds of the vehicles occupying the full lot are abandoned while the city's streets are becoming the new home to ones abandoned in recent months. In October 2020, more than 5,000 were scattered throughout the city, according to Louisville Metro Council President David James. "We have five vacancies and so it's going to be very difficult," said James. "Even if we have space to put them to get those vehicles towed with only two tow truck drivers." Metro Council approved an ordinance that would allow people to pick up their vehicles without being punished, but before that LMPD was questioned by the Public Safety Committee about tow truck driver recruitment. LMPD officials said, “We discussed looking at their pay rate and raising the rates up to make the job more appealing." James says competitiveness in the private sector has changed. "It used to be, prior to the state legislator changing the pension plan to what it is now, that people would stay for a much lower pay because they would have a pension, but now that they don't have that pension, there's nothing for them to stay for and they go other places," said James, who says now it comes down to competitive pay. "If you're going to be a tow truck driver for x amount of dollars – you can go work at Amazon or UPS or someplace else for a lot more," he said. At last check, there are no tow truck driver positions listed on LMPD's website, but there is a Tow-In Equipment Operator position that starts out at $21 an hour. The department notes that the time from application to hiring can range from two to four months. Resource Link

Man awarded for saving York officer from being hit by car Rarely Tow truck Operators receive the attention of others for selfless acts of heroism. Thinking not of himself but the Trooper with him this tow truck driver has his vision where it should be in the direction of possible danger. Obviously aware of the dangers even more so then the trooper. Both are very lucky to have not been seriously injured there in the danger zone. We all do it, often we can't help it and it isn't our fault idiots don't Slow Down Move Over and give us the room to work. 12.22.21 - York Maine Police Department Tonight K-9 Officer Rogers and Members of the York Police Department presented Jack Lowe with a plaque to show appreciation for his actions on October 23rd. Without Jack warning K-9 Officer Rogers, this could have turned into a tragic event. From all of us at York Police Department, thank you Jack!!! Remember if you see an emergency vehicle that has its emergency lights on, be it red, blue, or yellow it is the law to move over and pass safely. 12.23.21 - NEWS CENTER Maine York K-9 handler Jonathan Rogers credits civilian Jack Lowe for saving him from a swerving car while standing on the side of the road in October. YORK, Maine — Editor's note: The above video aired on Dec. 22. A man who saved a York police officer from being hit by a car while on the side of the road in October was awarded a plaque on Wednesday. The incident was captured on K-9 handler Jonathan Rogers' dashcam when he stopped a car for having illegally attached plates. Resource Link

Blue and amber lights have been allowed on Saskatchewan tow trucks since 2017 Gregg Wilson, owner of APL Towing & Recovery, says blue and amber lights could prevent collisions between tow trucks and other vehicles. One of his drivers was recently sent to hospital after being struck by the driver of another vehicle. (Madeleine Cummings/CBC) After a collision sent one of his tow truck operators to hospital on Thursday, a towing company owner west of Edmonton is renewing a call for blue and amber lights to be allowed on roadside assistance vehicles in Alberta. Gregg Wilson owns APL Towing & Recovery, based in Spruce Grove and Stony Plain. He said one of his employees was on Highway 16, near Range Road 22, to recover a vehicle from a median and had pulled onto the shoulder with his lights on to wait for a blocker unit to arrive. While he was waiting, another driver drove into his vehicle. The tow truck driver was sent to hospital and is now home, expected to make a full recovery. Both vehicles were badly damaged. Stories like this are all too common, Wilson told CBC News Friday morning. Just last week, there was a less serious but similar incident with another driver for the company. "We don't go a day without an incident or a close call," he said. Wilson said blue and amber lights on tow trucks could make them more visible to drivers at night because the unique colour combination would stand out. He said he and his business partner have raised the issue with decision-makers, but they have yet to act and don't seem in a hurry to do so. Resource Link Related Topic

APL Towing & Recovery Ltd reported that the driver was struck at 16 and RR 22 EB. and taken away on a spine board. They stated this is because many people simply don’t care about the towing industry and the flashing lights. SLOW DOWN !! The Company released an update on their Company FB Page. UPDATE: Thank you for all the messages for our driver. We cannot reply to them all. We want to let everyone know that he is back home with his family resting now. He is in a lot of pain but is expected to make a full recovery. Thank you all again for the outpouring of support for him. to those who do slow down. Happy holidays and drive safe.

BATON ROUGE - Sources say a man who was trying to cross the street on Airline Highway near Victoria Drive Wednesday night was hit by a vehicle that fled the scene. A concerned citizen reportedly stepped in to help the man who'd been left, wounded, on the side of the road. Stanley Valentine told WBRZ after watching cars speed past the injured man, he felt compelled to stop. Valentine happens to own a tow truck and before first responders arrived, he used his truck to block traffic and prevent anyone from hitting the victim. He said he waited with the injured man until first responders arrived. According to Valentine, the incident happened around 7 p.m. Resource Link

Tow truck driver shot, wounded at crowded shopping mall