Goodyear Seeks Highway Hero Nominations

Goodyear is accepting nominations for its 33rd Highway Hero Award through Nov. 29.

The Goodyear Highway Hero Award was created in 1983 to honor truck drivers who have risked themselves while on the job to help others. The winner will be announced in March 2016 at the Mid-America Trucking Show.

“The Goodyear Highway Hero Award honors truck drivers who put their lives on the line to save others from deadly situations,” said Gary Medalis, director of marketing, Goodyear Commercial Tire Systems.

For consideration, candidates must be a full-time truck driver living in the U.S. or Canada. The heroic incident must have also taken place in the U.S. and Canada. A nominee’s truck must have 12 wheels or more at the time of the incident and the trucker must have been on the job or on the way to and from work at the time.

After the nomination period ends, Highway Hero Award candidates will be narrowed down to three finalists and a panel of trucking industry judges will select the winner.

Last year’s winner, Clinton Blackburn, was recognized for rescuing a law enforcement official who was being strangled by a prisoner he was transporting. Another winner, Ivan Vasovic, rescued a fellow truck driver from a burning tanker truck hanging over the side of a freeway overpass.

“Over the last 30-plus years, we’ve heard hundreds of stories about the bravery and selflessness of truck drivers,” said Medalis. “If you know of a driver who deserves recognition for performing a heroic act, please let us know.”

To nominate a truck driver for the award, go to the Highway Hero Award website and fill out the nomination form.