TowNews

A Message from Connecticut State Police - Troop G - The Connecticut State Police Troop G Barracks and the Department of Transportation Bridgeport Highway Operations Center would like to send a big thank you to all the individuals who assisted us in our annual Holiday Toy Drive! On Saturday December 19th, tow truck companies from both Fairfield & New Haven County volunteered their time to be part of an escort procession from the Fairfield & Milford Rest areas on I-95. The procession ended at Troop G, where these companies delivered multiple toys for families in need this holiday season. All toys donated will be going to children throughout Fairfield & New Haven county. This year has been extremely trying for families in our area. We cannot thank you enough for adding some holiday joy for the people in need. BRIDGEPORT — A procession of tow trucks led an escort from local rest stops on Interstate 95 to thestate police Troop G barracks over the weekend to deliver toy donations for families in need this holiday season. Tow truck companies from Fairfield and New Haven counties led a procession from the Fairfield and Milford rest areas along I-95 Saturday around 11 a.m. The trucks delivered toys for families in need as a part of Troop G’s annual holiday toy drive. State police said all the toys donated will go to children throughout Fairfield and New Haven counties. “This year has been extremely trying for families in our area,” state police said. “We cannot thank you enough for adding some holiday joy for the people in need.” Resource Links: https://www.facebook.com/csptroopg/posts/2767075526845703 https://www.ctpost.com/news/slideshow/Tow-trucks-deliver-holiday-toy-donations-at-Troop-214617.php?src=rdctpdensecp

North Chicago DUI driver arrested after crashing into parked police car in suburban Beach Park BEACH PARK, Ill. (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- A 36-year-old North Chicago woman was arrested for driving under the influence after she crashed into a parked police car Sunday morning in suburban Beach Park. Alaya Solomon was charged with aggravated DUI, driving while her license was revoked, Scott’s law violation and other traffic violations, according to Lake County police. About 2 a.m., a Lake County sheriff’s deputy was parked on Sheridan Road just south of Yorkshire Road, waiting for a tow truck to tow a vehicle whose driver was arrested for DUI, police said. The deputy noticed a Dodge Durango speeding towards him, stepped partially onto the road and flashed a light towards the Dodge to get the driver’s attention. The Dodge continued toward the deputy and his car, forcing him to jump off the road, as the Dodge crashed into his car, police said. The force of the crash caused the police car to rear-end the vehicle waiting to be towed. The officer called for an ambulance, and checked on a person who was sitting in the back seat of his police car, police said. Neither the person nor the driver of the Dodge were injured. Solomon was arrested and taken to Lake County jail, police said. She appeared in court Sunday and her bail was set at $100,000. She is due back in court Dec. 22. RESOURCE LINK You Ask Why this is Towing Related. Think about it, the Tow Truck could have already been on scene and it could have been the Tow Truck which was struck or worse it could have been the Tow Truck Operator. So, these such incidents are important enough to share as they raise awareness and act as a reminder of the dangers. Some tow truck drivers need that constant reminder, just as you see those signs at companies reminding their drivers to wear their seat belt. Photo Added:

Why a pair of tow-truck operators opened Hope's Kitchen, a 24-hour centre for homeless people 'I don't see it as an incredible act to open our doors,' said North Bay's Katie Valiquette The pandemic had just begun last March when, fearing the virus would spread among the local homeless population, the city of North Bay, Ont., closed its only warming centre. That night the temperature plummeted to -20 C. "It left people out on the street overnight without any shelter available," said Katie Valiquette. "When we found that out, it kind of broke our hearts." Valliquette, 35, and her husband Chris Brown own and operate Flat-Rate Towing and Recovery, a tow-truck company in North Bay — a city of about 50,000. "So what we ended up doing was opening our garage doors," Valiquette said. "We ran a barbecue out the back door and made sure everybody had a full meal. We had set up chairs inside the garage for a place for people to go and warm up." Valiquette kept her garage open for two days, until the city reopened its own facility. She and her husband bonded with the 75 or so homeless people she estimates came to get warm. "We consider them family members. They're our street family," she said. "A lot of them didn't know what they were going to do or what was going to happen, much the same way that none of us did." Valiquette said she found her calling on those cold nights in the garage, and decided she had to keep helping homeless people in her city. "We saw how grateful everybody was to have a hot meal," she said. "We got to thinking, OK, how can we do something a little more or a little bit extra to kind of aid things along?" Valiquette's initial idea was to open a food truck and permanently park it in her driveway. Then one night she and her husband stumbled on an ad to lease a restaurant in town, and Hope's Kitchen was born. 'This place means a lot to me' The pandemic has had direct effects on those in need in the community. 'Operation Warmth,' for example, a program that for the past 24 years has distributed coats, hats, mittens and boots in North Bay, was cancelled because of COVID-19 physical distancing requirements. (It was later restarted when a location with enough room to ensure physical distancing protocols was volunteered.) And while the city-run warming centre is again operating, it isn't open during the day. Brown said there are more and more people coming through the doors of Hope's Kitchen looking for help, as it is the only facility in the city open 24 hours. "Since COVID, we've noticed that the homeless rates have gone up," said Brown. "It's actually quite high for little North Bay. People couldn't afford to pay the rents, because they lost their jobs and some got evicted. So they're on the street." Josh Firlotte, 20, has been living on the streets in North Bay since February. He visits Hope's Kitchen almost every day. "This place means a lot to me," Firlotte said. "It's a place for me and everybody else out here to come sit, socialize, warm up, get a drink, get a snack." On the day CBC News visited Hope's Kitchen, the city forced Firlotte to take down the tent he'd been living in near city hall. Officials argued that the 15 or so tents posed a safety hazard. "That kind of sucked, because it was going good. I just got it all set up," said Firlotte, who added that he wasn't sure where he would set up next. It's not all bad news, though — when he stopped by Hope's Kitchen, Valiquette gave him a new pair of snow pants. They were a donation from someone in the community. "I'm stoked," he said with a smile. "They are brand new, still with the tags, and they are all mine." Hope's Kitchen receives some donations of money and clothing from the public, and Valiquette is trying to get charitable status, but they don't get any financial support from the government. Since they opened Hope's Kitchen, Brown has effectively had two full time jobs. "In between tow calls, I'll come here and help out. And then if I get another tow call, I go do my tow call and come back and make sure everything's all right," Brown said. "And sometimes at night I have to come down here and make sure everything's going well." The family towing business has been hit hard by the pandemic — fewer people are travelling, Brown said, and that's where the money comes from to keep Hope's Kitchen going. While they get a few donations, Brown estimates he's poured between $35,000 and $40,000 of the couple's own money into the place. "It does stress me out, yeah. It's a big undertaking," Brown said. "Our sales are down at our towing business. I mean, we're still keeping afloat, but it's a little bit of a financial strain. But we do it for the people, and just to me, it's only money." 'Homelessness is not a contagious disease' The money and time Brown and Valiquette have invested in Hope's Kitchen has also helped Jessica, one of their volunteers. She recently left an abusive relationship in Ottawa and came to North Bay. She had nowhere to go, so she slept in her car. "I had a really hard time getting help," Jessica said. "I went all around Ontario trying to get assistance, but none of the shelters wanted to take me in because I was from a COVID hotspot." Even when she found Hope's Kitchen, at first she lied about the fact that she was homeless because she was concerned about the stigma. "I didn't want to be turned away," she said. In the end, Jessica was welcomed at Hope's Kitchen and another volunteer found her a place to live. Now she is excited to help others. "This isn't book smarts — this is real life experience that I have. So I can empathize with these people," Jessica said. "I don't look at homeless people like a contagious disease, [the way] a lot of people in our society do. You know, homelessness is not a contagious disease. So people need to stop treating us like that." The fact that Jessica found the strength to speak up for homeless people and help others is a testament to the work Valiquette and Brown have done in building Hope's Kitchen … work that never seems to end. Every evening, the couple makes soup and sandwiches for about 75 people and they take the food to the city's overnight shelter. Still, even after an 18-hour day, Valiquette doesn't see Hope's Kitchen as anything out of the ordinary. "I don't see it as an incredible act to open our doors and do these kinds of things. I don't. I see it as this is human," she said. "This is what humanity should be." RESOURCE LINK with video

This notification of loss comes from Cardinal Towing Minneapolis, MN. It is EXTREMELY hard to write this, it is with deep sadness to say, we lost the founder of Cardinal Towing yesterday evening. Denny Cardinal started Cardinal Towing in 1967, him and his wife Gloria along with their family built it to what it is today. Denny sold Cardinal and retired in August of this year and had many things planned to enjoy retirement with Gloria. Denny became ill and passed away 12/16/2020. Please keep all of the Cardinal family, the long time employees, friends and family in your thoughts and prayers. Denny did many great things in his Towing career and in the Towing industry. He will be missed by many. Please watch over us Denny, us fellow towers need you.

OIL CITY – Interstate 80 eastbound is closed in Mercer County from Exit 4A (Interstate 376 eastbound, New Castle) to Exit 15 (Route 19, Mercer) due to a crash involving multiple vehicles. A tow-truck driver told The Herald that at least a dozen vehicles were involved in the accident. The roadway is expected to reopen later today. A speed restriction of 45 miles per hour is also in place in the entire length of Interstate 80 in Pennsylvania. Commercial vehicles should use the right lane only. PennDOT and the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission has also imposed Level 1 restrictions on interstate highways, including the Pennsylvania Turnpike, in eastern Pennsylvania. Level 1 restrictions prohibit the following vehicles on affected roadways: · Tractors without trailers; · Tractors towing unloaded or lightly loaded enclosed trailers, open trailers or tank trailers; · Tractors towing unloaded or lightly loaded tandem trailers; · Enclosed cargo delivery trucks that meet the definition of a CMV; · Passenger vehicles (cars, SUV’s, pickup trucks, etc.) towing trailers; · Recreational vehicles/motorhomes; · School buses, commercial buses and motor coaches; and · motorcycles. RESOURCE LINK As snow slows down in York roads may become icy, PennDOT won’t stop for stuck drivers YORK, Pa. (WHTM) — The snow is measuring more than 8 inches in some areas of York County but the snowfall is starting to slow down. Roads are clearing up but a big concern right now is ice forming on the roads causing unsafe driving conditions. PennDOT says when they are coming through and see a stuck car they cannot stop for you, you will have to call a tow truck to get out of that situation. RESOURCE LINK with video

Police suspect man of assaulting tow truck driver, violating no-contact order twice this week Police arrested a man Thursday whom they suspect of violating a no-contact order at the same residence twice this week. Just after 9:15 a.m. Thursday, Spokane police arrived at a residence in the 3700 block of West Bismark Avenue after the report of a violation of a domestic violence no-contact order. Bail agents arrived at the house looking for Andrew Perry, who had been arrested from the same residence Monday after police suspect he assaulted a tow truck driver and damaged the tow truck, a news release said. Perry had also been arrested on suspicion of violating a domestic violence no-contact order at the same residence. Someone bailed Perry out of jail through a bail bonds company, the release said. Bail agents said they saw a struggle in the house, the release said. Once they arrived, police said they saw him in the home. According to the release, Perry claimed to have a gun and refused to leave, so the Spokane Police Department SWAT team responded. Shortly after the SWAT officers and equipment arrived, Perry left the residence and police took him into custody, according to the release. Perry was booked into the Spokane County Jail on suspicion of residential burglary and multiple violations of the no-contact order, the release said. The Spokane Police Department, in the release, encouraged anyone involved in a domestic violence incident to call 911. People can also visit the Spokane Regional Domestic Violence Coalition Resource Page online. RESOURCE LINK

Suspect In Stolen Tow Truck Captured After Chase Through Adams County ADAMS COUNTY, Colo. (CBS4) — Police chased a stolen tow truck through Adams County on Thursday. The sheriff’s office says they got a 911 call about a carjacking at 2:16 p.m. The caller said a man walked up to a full tow truck at 5590 High Street and pulled a gun. The victim got out of the tow truck and the man took off in it. Police in Commerce City spotted the stolen white dually and chased it. Nine minutes later, officers reportedly deployed stop sticks near Quebec and Interstate 70 but the driver kept going. Investigators say the suspect got out of the tow truck at 56th and York, near Suncor and ran to the water treatment facility. Copter4 flew overhead a little after 4 p.m. and captured video a tow truck in shallow water in the South Platte River. It’s not clear what happened to the car it was towing. The water treatment facility went on lockout and the suspect was arrested on the property. No shots were fired and no one was hurt. RESOURCE LINK with video

The portal allows fleets to purchase tires, activate service, and gain insight into their tire program – all in one place. The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company launched Fleet Central to help fleets maximize efficiencies for their tires, one of their largest maintenance expenses. The new interactive portal allows fleets to purchase tires, activate service, and gain insight into their tire program – all in one place. With Fleet Central, fleets can view and take action on all aspects of their tire program, helping them to make faster, more informed decisions for their business. The modern, easy-to-use dashboard allows users to view information at a total fleet level all the way down to a specific vehicle, tire, or service event in real time. Fleets can also interact with Goodyear directly by purchasing tires, scheduling service, requesting tire inspections, or activating emergency roadside assistance from Goodyear’s service network of more than 2,300 providers. Other features include: Emergency and scheduled tire services: Fleets can bypass a phone call by submitting requests online directly to Goodyear Fleet HQ for emergency or scheduled service. Fleet Central also allows fleets to track events with a live, interactive dashboard to stay updated throughout the entire service process. Fleets can view service performance by dealer, vehicle, geography, and more with historical service reporting. Tire deliveries: Fleets can schedule stock tire deliveries and track shipping directly within Fleet Central. Retreading: Fleet Central’s reporting capabilities help fleets monitor retread and casing performance with a view into all retread activities, as well as work order tracking and current inventory levels across Goodyear’s authorized retreading network. Tire performance and monitoring: Fleets leveraging Goodyear’s tire management solutions can use Fleet Central’s interactive dashboard to detect and act on critical issues like fast air leaks and thermal alerts in real time, as well as monitor tire performance over time. Approval and purchase order management for services: Fleets can utilize this portal to interact with Goodyear’s Expedited Approvals program to reduce the administrative burden of managing and issuing purchase orders, as well as approving and disputing work orders before they are invoiced. Push alerts: In addition to the online reporting available through this toolset, fleets can configure alerts and reports to be sent via text or email. “Goodyear is continuously innovating new ways to make it easier for fleets to manage their tires. With Fleet Central, we can offer customers a new level of transparency into every interaction they have with Goodyear and our service network. Best of all, these tools will ultimately help fleets find new ways to save money over time,” said Johnny McIntosh, director of integrated solutions and tire management. “Some of our larger fleet customers who have already begun using Fleet Central are finding that it gives them much-needed insight into problem areas within their fleet, allowing them to adjust and make changes.” Fleet Central is now available through GoodyearTruckTires.com and includes responsive design for mobile devices. RESOURCE LINK

Runaway UPS truck slams into 3 parked cars, tow truck in Denver's Harvey Park South neighborhood Victims still waiting to hear from UPS DENVER -- Dramatic footage from a Ring Bell camera shows a runaway UPS truck careening backwards, down a street in the Harvey Park South neighborhood, and smashing into several parked vehicles. Erika Gaum said she and her young son were in their front yard cleaning out flowerbeds a few minutes before the crash happened. "I had just gone in to put him down for his nap," she said. "About ten minutes later, I heard this massive explosion." Gaum said she peeked out the front door and saw a UPS truck pushed up against the neighbor's cars. Moments later, another neighbor came out and told her the UPS truck had sideswiped the Gaum's tow truck and trailer, too. "After it hit the trailer, it kind of skidded along and then hit the fender and ripped the tire and bent the rim," she said. Gaum added that the impact knocked out rivets, busted a mirror, flattened two tires and knocked out a headlight. The UPS truck then slammed into three parked cars, one of them a Ford Taurus. Gabriela Agustin-Sanchez said her dad had put a lot of hard work, and hard-earned cash, into fixing up the Ford. "Cars are his passion. He's always working on cars, but that one was one of his most prized possessions, and he was very proud of it," she said. The back of that Ford is now a crumpled heap of metal, rubber and plastic. According to the police report, the UPS driver, 21-year old Sagar Garung, said he was northbound on S. Stuart, stopped to make a delivery and when he jumped back in and attempted to start the truck, it failed to start. "Then it jumped out of gear and traveled southbound in reverse, at an unknown rate of speed, and collided with (Gaum's truck and the three cars,)" the report stated. Gaum said she and her husband own an auto shop. "We're heading into the holidays and this is our work truck, so we kind of need some action," she said. Gaum added that she reached out to UPS several days in a row, to ask about the status of their damage claim, and each time was told "somebody will contact you by the end of the day." "That has yet to happen," she said. Denver7 reached out to UPS to ask if there was an issue with the brakes, whether the driver is still working for UPS, whether there was another person on board the UPS truck, why the delay in reaching out to the victims and whether UPS will be taking care of the damage. Matthew O'Connor, the senior manager of media relations sent an email stating: "We’re thankful that everyone is safe. UPS’s highest priority is the safety of our employees and the communities we serve. We’re investigating the situation, cooperating with the responding authorities on their investigation, and will respond accordingly." Garung was issued a citation for operating an unsafe vehicle. Gaum said with everything that has happened in 2020, (pandemic, fires, unrest,) she's grateful no one was injured in the crash. Still, she hopes UPS responds sooner, rather than later. "Call me UPS, give me a call," she said. RESOURCE LINK The Video shows that this did not actually involve a tow truck. It was a Fifth Wheel Truck & Trailer.

CHARLESTON COUNTY, S.C. (WCBD) – The National Transportation Safety Board has released its preliminary report on a crash that killed a tow truck driver and injured a Charleston County deputy on the Don Holt Bridge in July of 2020. While no new information was released about the crash, it did detail some of the actions that occurred during the incident on the morning of July 1st, 2020. According to the report, the deputy and tow truck driver were assisting a disabled vehicle in the far-right westbound lane of the Don Holt bridge. The NTSB is still investigating the circumstances of the crash, the commercial operation of the pick-up truck, and highway issues. No charges have been filed in this case. The South Carolina Highway Patrol’s MAIT Team said their investigation is on-going. RESOURCE LINK

Local man in fair condition following 2-vehicle crash near Burley BURLEY – A Pocatello man is in the hospital in fair condition following a two-vehicle crash on Interstate 84 at milepost 236 in Cassia County. The crash occurred around 10:20 Wednesday morning, according to a news release from Idaho State Police. Thirty-seven-year-old Billy Gill of Pocatello was traveling westbound on I-84 in a 2017 Kenworth tow truck. He hit the back of a Kenworth semi-truck pulling a tanker trailer as it was merging onto the highway from the right shoulder. The driver of the semi was 41-year-old Brandon Richins of Clearfield, Utah. Both vehicles came to a stop on the right shoulder of the interstate. ISP reports Gill was taken by helicopter to Portneuf Medical Center in Pocatello. The news release did not specify whether Richins was injured but a family member tells EastIdahoNews.com he was hospitalized later in the day. His condition is unknown. Crews are working to clean up the wreckage, which will impact the right lane of travel for several more hours, as of 3 p.m. Wednesday. The crash is under investigation. Idaho Transportation Department, along with Malta Ambulance and Fire Department assisted in the response. RESOURCE LINK

VIDEO PENDING (See Link Below) Firefighters helped extinguish a fire involving six vehicles at a tow lot in Boxborough, Massachusetts, early Wednesday morning. No injuries or structural damage were reported, according to police. The fire at CBK Automotive Repair on Massachusetts Avenue was reported around 5:21 a.m., fire officials said. Ken Carroll, who has owned CBK Automotive for 30 years, said he got a call from police as he was headed to the scene. "The flames were probably about 25 to 30 feet," he said. "I'm glad that they kept it away from the building." Once a firefighter himself, Carroll said he jumped into action to help Boxborough firefighters get the situation under control. "I hit it with the dry chem and as soon as it killed the oxygen, they killed the water and foam," he said. Fire officials said the bulk of the fire was knocked down by 5:54 a.m. Caroll said six cars caught fire. All of them had been towed there and were already damaged from crashes or other incidents. The CBK Automotive building and tow trucks were spared. "I thought it was going," Carroll said. "But there goes 2020, you know?" The cause of the fire is not yet known. Carroll speculated that it might have been a shorted wire or something similar. Police said they will be checking surveillance cameras to see if they can get any clues as to how the fire may have started. RESOURCE LINK with video

Pardo Tow Truck Funeral Procession

Annual Tows for Tots toy drive delivers Christmas cheer to children in need PITTSBURGH — It’s the season of giving, and after months of collecting toys, tow truck drivers from the Pittsburgh area gather to deliver presents. “The towing industry is a giant family. There might be competition, but at the end of the day we’re a family, and to come together for something like this is amazing,” said Joey Janicky, organizer of Tows for Tots. Many of the tow truck flatbeds are loaded with brand-new kids’ bikes, while bag after bag of toys are donated by people in the community, and even superheroes. “We didn’t want to do it this year because of everything going on with the pandemic. But we felt that with everything going on, that these kids need our help more than ever this year, because this is a bad year for everybody,” Janicky said. It was an unusual sight as a caravan of tow trucks escorted Santa’s sleigh and gifts from Carnegie to Uptown Pittsburgh, to the offices of Every Child Incorporated, which provides foster care and adoption services. “It feels good to be able to give back and really help out kids, give them things they might not have been able to have,” said Josh Chechak of Rusty Hook Towing. This is the fifth year for Tows for Tots. What started with 12 tow trucks has grown 10 times that. Plans are already being made for next year’s Tows for Tots. RESOURCE LINK

The driver of a tow truck suffered injuries to his face after rear-ending a woman turning right who failed to yield to traffic Wednesday morning at the intersection of Third and Franklin streets in downtown Richmond. The crash occurred about 10:15 a.m. when the female driver of a white mid-sized SUV turned right from Franklin onto Third. The driver of the tow truck, headed south on Third, had the green light and couldn’t stop in time when the woman pulled onto Third. The impact of the crash caused the tow truck to knock over a fire hydrant and topple a heavy street light on Franklin Street between Third and Fourth streets. Richmond police, fire and ambulance crews were on scene within minutes to investigate and provide treatment to the two drivers. RESOURCE LINK

Terry L Davis 61 of Ashtabula died Tuesday (Dec. 1st) at his home. He was born November 17, 1959 in Welch, West Virginia. He was the owner/ operator of Davis Towing in Ashtabula, OH. Procession of tow trucks honor owner ASHTABULA TOWNSHIP — As funeral services for Terry Davis neared an end, a group of five tow trucks and flatbed vehicles gathered in the parking lot of the Pentecostal Church of God on Friday morning. The tow trucks led a procession of vehicles to Greenlawn Memory Gardens in North Kingsville. As mourners left the church, tow truck drivers in bright green coats joined them and headed for their vehicles to make the drive to North Kingsville. Davis was the owner/operator of Davis Towing and the family decided the procession would be a great way to honor his life. “This is definitely something he would have liked,” said his daughter-in-law Ashley Hlebak. A car from the funeral home was the lead car, but the five Davis Towing vehicles followed close behind on the way to the cemetery. Davis, 61, was born in West Virginia and was known for always helping others and having a love for cars and trips to Disney World, according to his obituary. As the line of vehicles headed south on Cook Road, the tow truck vehicles made quite a sight heading toward Route 20 and then eastward on Route 20 to Greenlawn Memory Gardens. RESOURCE LINK

Mr. Ford Martin "Pike" Stewart, 88, of Mooresville, departed this life Monday, Nov, 23, 2020, at his residence. "Pike," as he was called, was the proud owner of "Pike's BP" Service Station, in Mooresville, for 52 years. Daniel Johnson of Ultimate Towing said he’s hoping to have a tow truck tribute to Pike at the service and is asking all tow truck drivers to join him. Hardworking, loyal, dedicated, genuine and true friend are just a few of the words that describe Ford Martin Stewart, otherwise known as “Pike” to his friends, by some who can lay claim to calling him friend for decades. Pike, 88, who was a mainstay at his North Broad Street business, died on Monday, Nov. 23. Pike opened his business, Pike’s Gulf, in 1969. Jeff Shoe said that he remembers the station being there “as far back as I can remember. I can remember going when I was in high school and buying gas for 25 cents.” Having been in business for more than 60 years owning a gas station and wrecker service, Pike had more than just customers show up at his station, they were his friends. “Mr. Pike always greeted his customers like friends,” said Kim Saragoni, friend and fellow downtown business owner. And Pike not only counted them as friends, but he remembered his customers during both good and difficult times as noted by longtime friend Frank Owens. “He would give his regular customers a box of chocolate covered cherries at Christmas,” Owens said, “and when a family member of one of his regular customers died, he would put out a jar for a love offering.” It was that care and willingness to help others that stood out as stories were shared upon learning of his passing. In addition to providing for his customers at various times, Owens told the story of when he was young, just 14 or 15, when Pike was working at Jay’s Service Station, the current BB&T on Main Street. At that time, Pike was washing cars and Owens was also working there helping Pike, and through their working together, they got to know one another. Owens noted that his family didn’t have a car then, and the time came for him to take his driver’s exam. It was Pike who loaned him his 1955 Pontiac convertible to go and take the exam. “I drove his car to the examiners with the top down,” Owens said. Both Shoe and longtime Mooresville resident Chris Montgomery, who had previously written a feature story about Pike, noted how he would help young people and give them a job at the station, mentoring and teaching them. Just as he taught the young people to work hard, he followed his own advice. Pike was dedicated and made sure he did his job well. “He was a really hardworking, dedicated man that we had respect for,” Shoe noted. "He showed up every day and hit it all day long. And drove that wrecker,” continued Shoe. “We have nothing but good things to say about Pike.” Another longtime friend, Cotton Ketchie, recalled when he was working at City Grocery and Market on Main Street during his junior high school days, and he delivered groceries to the Stewart home. “It seems as if I have known Pike and his wonderful family almost all of my life,” Ketchie said. “Sometimes, Bessie would send Pike to the store to get the groceries for her and he was always in a big hurry to get back to work. Pike was somewhat like me when it came to his place of business, he hardly knew what to do when he wasn’t there.” “When one had their vehicle washed at Pike’s,” Ketchie said, “they could depend on it being washed and every detail being spotless.” Mayor Miles Atkins shared his memory of how “Pike Stewart was highly regarded as a successful businessman leading by example, always ready with a kind word and a willingness to help that never ceased.” Just as he offered help to his friends, Pike had the same attitude in his career with service and care being offered at the station from pumping the gas to checking the oil. Saragoni mentioned how a gas station offering full service treatment was something she wasn’t accustomed too until arriving here and visiting Pike's. “My grandmother, who is 99 years old, has never pumped gas in her entire life,” Saragoni said, “and I found it novel when I moved to Mooresville that Pike's offered full service! When she would visit I always took her as Pike filled my tank! “She always pulled a few more dollars out of her purse to add to my tip for him. I paid extra for “ethanol free” fuel so I could visit with Mr. Pike. He will be missed,” she said. And if it wasn’t Pike himself, it was his daughter, Rhonda, who would help the customers. Montgomery noted that Rhonda “helps with the day-to-day operations; she even pumps customers’ gas, something you won’t see at too many other places. Rhonda also told “they were the only of a few in town who sold ethanol, one hundred percent pure gasoline. “And, Montgomery said, “when taking the time to interact with the Stewarts, one will discover they are just as genuine as the product they pump.” Owens noted that Pike’s BP was the “last full-fledged service station that washed windows and checked your oil.” Ketchie mentioned that “Pike’s was also about the only station in town where one could drive up to the pumps and get gas without even getting out of their vehicle. Pike would be there almost before your wheels would stop rolling and ask, ‘Fill it up?’” “Pike,” Owens noted, “was a good man. He didn’t care about the color of your skin. Everybody that came in, he thanked them for their business, and he tipped his hat to the ladies. He didn’t care if you were rich or poor, he treated everybody the same.” Owens said that Pike was probably “one of the best longtime friends I’ve ever had in my life.” And in all of the 60 years they had known each other, there wasn’t a week they didn’t talk. Atkins said that Pike “will be remembered as a legend in our downtown,” said Mayor Atkins, “and the Town of Mooresville will never be the same without Pike's friendly wave from the corner of North Broad Street and Moore Avenue.” RESOURCE LINK

William David Millirons - New Image Towing & Recovery https://www.southerncremations.com/obituaries/William-David-Millirons?obId=19099999

‘It’s been really hard’: Death of Anchorage tow truck driver on the job draws attention to dangers Hans Michael Moore had been with Vulcan Towing for only about six months, but everyone at the company will tell you he was family. He was a hard worker, a fast learner and had a strong desire to help others, said Jenifer Macalino, who works at the Anchorage towing company. The normally loud and energetic towing office has been quiet this week, she said. In the early hours of Sunday morning, Moore died on the job. “You can see it on people’s faces — everyone is just so sad right now,” Macalino said. On Wednesday night, drivers, friends and family of Moore hugged and wiped away tears after more than 200 tow trucks and commercial vehicles streamed down the Glenn Highway to a memorial gathering in his honor. A celebration of life for fallen Vulcan Towing & Recovery operator Hans Michael Moore was held Wednesday evening at Tikahtnu Commons in Muldoon. (Bill Roth / ADN) In the early hours of Sunday morning, Vulcan Towing was called to the intersection of DeBarr Road and Pine Street to pull a car from the ditch. Police had arrested the driver for operating under the influence, and the disabled vehicle rested off a portion of the road that was closed for water line repairs. As 57-year-old Moore was loading the vehicle onto his truck at 3:07 a.m., he was struck by a Dodge Journey SUV also driving through the closed portion of the road. Moore was rushed to a hospital but died from his injuries. Police arrested the driver, 23-year-old Michelle F. Parker, on charges of manslaughter, operating under the influence and driving in violation of license limitation. Because of a former OUI charge, Parker was required to have an interlock ignition system that could detect alcohol consumption and prevent her from driving. Police said she did not have the device when her SUV struck Moore. When Justin Creech, the owner of Vulcan Towing, received a text message that morning, he jumped out of bed. No one had been able to reach Moore and his truck was at the scene. Creech said Wednesday that he’s still in shock. “Probably for the first day I just kept waiting for somebody to call and say ‘Hey, Mike is ready to go, he’s OK,” Creech said. “So it’s been really hard on all of us.” Moore spent much of his life working in the oil industry, living part time in Alaska, North Dakota and California, Creech said. His primary residence was in Kingman, Arizona, where he and his wife, CorAnn Moore, own a bar along Route 66. Moore would work three-week shifts in the oil fields and then return home for a week to Arizona, Creech said. When the pandemic began, Moore was laid off from a job in Minot, North Dakota. After a few months of unemployment, Creech and his fiancee, Jessica Summerhays, offered him a position at Vulcan Towing. Moore was Summerhays’ stepfather, and she said she was overjoyed at the opportunity to spend more time with him. When he flew into Alaska for his three-week shifts, he would live at their home. When he wasn’t working, Summerhays said, Moore was a devoted grandfather, taking her children to go fishing or play outdoors. Moore was an avid outdoorsman and some of Creech’s favorite memories from the last summer were spent with him casting lines off boats in Seward and reeling in halibut, silvers and king salmon. Moore had been scheduled to fly home to Arizona on Wednesday. Tow truck driving is one of the most dangerous jobs in the country, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. From 2011 to 2016, there were 191 fatalities in the industry, or about 43 deaths per 100,000 workers, according to an analysis from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. That’s more than 15 times the rate for all U.S. private industries. Creech said the danger of the job is often overlooked — people think of police or firefighting jobs as being dangerous but often don’t realize that tow truck drivers are responding to many of those same calls. Drivers regularly brave dangerous road conditions to clear an accident in poor weather along busy highways with cars speeding past them. Creech said he and his employees regularly hear of accidents throughout the country, but now the danger has really hit home. Creech said he believes Moore is the first tow truck driver to be fatally struck in Alaska. “It’s brought a new light and a new reality, I think, to everyone,” he said. “They’re all scared, they’re scared of working on the side of the roads, they’re scared of all of it. I’ve got a few employees that their wives want them to find another job because you don’t want to get that phone call. ... It’s a tough position and we risk our lives every day helping the public.” Laws across the country call for drivers to slow down and move over when an emergency vehicle is stopped on the side of the road, but Creech said that law is often ignored. He said much of the danger in towing comes directly from distracted drivers. Intoxicated drivers also pose a deadly risk. Macalino of Vulcan Towing said rideshare apps make it easier than ever to find a sober ride. She said Vulcan drivers have even picked up intoxicated people to offer them a safe ride home. Drivers would rather pick them up than respond to a fatal accident later, she said. After Moore’s death, Vulcan was overwhelmed with support, Creech said — a silver lining during the most challenging time of his life. Local businesses delivered pizzas to the office, sent flowers or called to offer condolences. An online fundraiser has collected donations for Moore’s family. On Wednesday night, more than 200 tow trucks, large commercial vehicles and pickups lined up in Eagle River and headed out on the Glenn Highway. As the line of flashing lights streamed down the snowy roadway for about a half-hour, horns rang out to celebrate Moore’s life. Drivers even came from Seward and the Matanuska-Susitna Borough to participate. The procession met up in the Tikahtnu Commons mall parking lot, where drivers in neon yellow jackets striped with reflective lines shared memories of Moore or paid respects to one of their own. Commercial driver John Daggett said he hopes Moore’s death will encourage the public to use more caution on the roads. He attended the service to show solidarity with the towing industry. “In these industries, we all stick together,” he said. “Everybody looks out for everybody else.” After Creech finished thanking the drivers for their support, the crowd chanted in unison: “Mike Moore!” Although many of the companies are competitors, Creech said, it was obvious that they’re family first. “Together, we are more powerful than we are by ourselves,” he said. “You guys be safe out there.” RESOURCE LINK with images

APD Identifies Tow Truck Driver Loading Impounded Vehicle Struck and Killed on DeBarr Sunday Morning UPDATE: Anchorage police have released the identity of the 57-year-old tow truck driver killed in the Saturday morning collision by a DUI driver as he was processing an impounded vehicle on DeBarr as Hans M. Moore. ORIGINAL: Anchorage police say that a tow truck driver, while at the scene of a crash in east Anchorage, was struck and killed by a DUI driver who has since been charged with manslaughter and other charges. Police responded to the intersection of DeBarr and Pine Street after receiving a call of a crash into a ditch on DeBarr which was shut down due to repairs on a burst water main at 1:49 am Sunday morning. The person in that crash was ultimately detained and charged with operating under the influence. One officer took the driver in for processing while another remained at the scene processing the vehicle impound. At 3:07 am, as a tow truck driver was out of his truck actively loading the impounded vehicle, a 23-year-old female, identified as Michelle F. Parker, drove into the closed portion of DeBarr traveling westbound, where she impacted the tow truck driver. The tow truck driver was transported to a local hospital where he was declared deceased. Westbound Debarr between Boniface and Hoyt was closed down and the Major Collision Investigative Unit responded to the scene to process the crash site. As a result of that investigation, Parker was charged with Manslaughter, Driving Under the Influence, and Driving in Violation of License Limitation. Parker was under court order to have an Ignition Interlock Device installed in her vehicle due to a prior DUI conviction. The tow truck driver’s identity will be released following next of kin notification. RESOURCE LINK

Gov't takes measure to improve safety for snowplow and tow truck drivers The Alberta government is taking action to increase safety for snowplow and tow truck drivers in the province. This winter, snowplow operators on the provincial highways will be allowed to use flashing white strobe lights to increase their visibility. As well, new signage installed along highways will remind Albertans to drive to conditions and be cautious near roadside workers. Transportation Minister Ric McIver says, “Snowplow and tow truck drivers are essential workers who face significant risks as they keep our highways clear and safe for travel. New lights and signage will make sure workers are more visible on the highway and encourage motorists to be alert to roadside workers." McIver believes that, as drivers and fellow Albertans, we owe it to workers to drive responsibly so that each of us can get home safely. A social media campaign will educate Albertans about the need to drive safely this winter, including when driving by snowplow operators and tow trucks. The government also plans to consult with Albertans throughout the winter to gauge their awareness of worker safety and identify further steps that should be taken to protect roadside workers, including the expanded use of lights. Any decision would be made based on evidence that usage improves safety. Every winter, there are dozens of collisions and near misses involving snowplows on Alberta highways. In 2019-20, there were 31 collisions with snowplows operated by government highway maintenance contractors. The 511 Alberta app and website now has the capability to alert drivers with an audible ping when they approach a snowplow on Alberta highways. The Traffic Safety Act provides protection for first responders by requiring all motorists in the adjacent lane to slow down to 60 km/h (or the posted speed limit, whichever is slower) when passing an emergency vehicle with its lights flashing. Speeding fines also double in construction zones where workers are present. RESOURCE LINK

Car strikes police officer directing traffic That officer had stopped traffic along Ross Clark Circle as a wrecker was positioned to tow off a vehicle damaged in an earlier wreck. DOTHAN, Ala. (WTVY) -A Dothan police officer struck by a car while directing traffic along a busy roadway Sunday night escaped with only minor injuries. “He suffered lacerations, contusions, and abrasions but appears to be doing well and should be released after treatment,” said Police Chief Steve Parrish after visiting the officer at a local hospital. That officer had stopped traffic along Ross Clark Circle as a wrecker was positioned to tow off a vehicle damaged in an earlier wreck. That’s when a car failed to stop on the wet roadway. No charges are expected. RESOURCE LINK

The Company Notification on their FB Page Stated: It’s with heavy hearts that we announce the tragic loss of one of our operators, Daniel French. He was a valued member of the Big Boy’s Family. He will be greatly missed by many. He was killed in a head on collision yesterday afternoon (11/28/20) returning from a call. Please keep his wife and family in your thoughts and prayers as they go through this difficult time. We will announce arrangements once they become available. @Don@BigBoys

Tow truck driver dies after he was struck by vehicle while pulling car from ditch, Anchorage police say A tow truck driver died early Sunday after he was struck by a vehicle while loading a car that had gone into the ditch, police said. The driver who hit him was arrested. Police were called to the intersection of Debarr Road and Pine Street at 1:49 a.m. because a vehicle had gone into the ditch, the department wrote in an online statement. The westbound lanes of Debarr Road were closed in the area for repairs on a water line break. Police said the driver in the ditch was eventually arrested for operating under the influence, and while that driver was being processed at the jail, another officer remained on scene so the vehicle could be towed. The tow truck driver was loading the vehicle onto the truck when he was struck by a Dodge Journey driving through the closed portion of Debarr Road at 3:07 a.m., police wrote. The tow truck driver was brought to the hospital, where police said he died. No one else was injured and police said the tow truck driver would be identified once his family has been notified. Police said more charges are forthcoming for the woman who struck him because alcohol was suspected to be a factor in the crash. The westbound lanes of Debarr Road were closed early Sunday between Boniface Parkway and Hoyt Street as police processed the scene. Police urged drivers to avoid the area. RESOURCE LINK Woman charged with manslaughter, DUI after deadly traffic collision Sunday morning ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) - A 23-year-old woman has been charged with manslaughter, driving under the influence and driving in violation of license limitation after a man was struck and killed by a vehicle Sunday morning. Anchorage police officers responded to the intersection of Debarr Road and Pine Street around 1:49 a.m. due to a vehicle driving into a ditch. Officers made contact with the driver and arrested the individual for operating under the influence. At the time, westbound Debarr was closed due to repairs on a water line break. One officer processed the arrested driver at the jail and another officer stayed at the scene as the driver’s vehicle was being impounded as part of the investigation, an Anchorage Police Department report says. RESOURCE LINK Tow Truck memorial planned for tow driver killed Sunday morning ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) - A memorial procession to include dozens of tow trucks and service vehicles along the Glenn Highway is planned Wednesday evening for a Vulcan tow truck driver who was struck and killed early Sunday morning in East Anchorage. Justin Creech, owner of Vulcan Towing and Recovery said the man, who has not been officially named by the Anchorage Police Department, was his father-in-law. Creech said his father-in-law, who also lived in Arizona, had been laid off from a Slope job recently and had only worked for the company for about six months. According to police, the driver was killed while he was loading a vehicle that was stuck in a ditch on Debarr Road near Pine Street at about 3 a.m. Sunday. Police had arrested that driver and charged them with operating under the influence about an hour before. The tow driver was struck by 23-year-old Michelle Parker, who police said was driving under the influence without her headlights on. The tow driver was pronounced dead at the hospital. Parker, who had a prior OUI in 2019, has been charged with manslaughter and assault as well as OUI. Cody Gray, who owns Elite Towing and Recovery in Wasilla, is helping to organize a memorial for the driver. Gray said tow operators from around the state are planning to converge at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday in the parking lot of the Eagle River Fred Meyer store, then drive the Glenn Highway to the old Sam’s Club at Tikahtnu Commons in East Anchorage. The procession will conclude at about 7:30 p.m with a short memorial service in the parking lot that Gray said the public is welcome to attend. RESOURCE LINK Alaska tow truck driver dies in crash