Tow truck on a mission knocked out of service

[TowNews]

The red, white and blue 1965 Chevy tow truck owned by New Beginnings Gold Country that residents have seen parked around El Dorado County, displayed at local car shows or cruising along in the annual Hangtown Christmas parade might not be able to help the nonprofit re-entry ministry raise awareness and funds for its mission to the extent it has in the past.

 

The truck, nicknamed “Towey,” was hit Feb. 10 by another vehicle as it awaited its next assignment in front of the New Beginnings Thrift Store on Missouri Flat Road in Placerville. The classic truck sustained major damage and ministry leader Randy Haskins said he estimates the cost for repairs will total $30,000, although he had not yet received an estimate from a repair shop.

 

 

The tow truck was struck at about 3:45 a.m., according to the Placerville office of the California Highway Patrol. The driver of a 2008 Ford Escape who was reportedly traveling north at about 55 mph on Missouri Flat Road made an unsafe left turn and left the roadway where the vehicle struck a guy wire and barreled into the New Beginnings parking lot.

 

“Anything can be repaired but (the tow truck) is so far gone, it’s probably going to cost 10 times as much to repair it than what it’s worth,” Haskins said.

 

Haskins said New Beginnings is considering replacing the tow truck with a new truck instead of having it repaired. A new truck would have much to live up to though, with Towey gaining a lot of popularity over the years as the organization’s mascot, especially in the “spot the tow truck” contest where people took selfies with the truck if found.

 

 

“It’s been a such a valuable fundraising tool. It would really be sad not to have another option,” New Beginnings Operations Manager Emma Burns said.

 

Burns said New Beginnings employees arrived to work that morning to see Towey surrounded by caution tape and debris from the collision.

 

The New Beginnings sign also took damage. It was built with a 6-by-6-inch beam and blown out of the concrete on impact.

 

“We had a serious concern about the driver when we saw the damage,” Burns said. “Not only their physical well-being but with their spiritual well-being too.”

 

The driver of the Escape, 39-year-old Jared M. Chapman of Placerville, sustained minor injuries and was transported by ambulance for treatment at Marshall Hospital, according to CHP. CHP officials say DUI is not suspected in the crash.

 

Now left without a fundraising tool, Haskins said he has to consider his next plan of action.

 

“I’m always trying to figure out how to make lemonade out of lemons and make the best of a bad situation,” Haskins said. “I’m going to buy a trailer since the truck is not drivable at all. I’m going to put (the tow truck) on a trailer and leave it out and use it for the car show season coming up.”

 

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