MacKinnon Transport Truck
Driver Tim Ferguson Wins Bridgestone Firestone Canadian Truck Hero
Award
TORONTO: November 15, 2007 - As he traveled
southbound on Highway 400 near Barrie last February, Tim Ferguson was confronted
with a life or death emergency. His courageous response led to the Guelph
trucker being named the 2007 recipient of the Bridgestone Firestone Canadian
Truck Hero Award.
Mr. Ferguson, who drives for the Guelph-based
Mackinnon Transport, saved one, if not more than one, life with his bravery,
quick-thinking and compassion, the very criteria on which the Truck Hero Award,
now in its 51st year, is based.
In recognition of his achievement, Bridgestone
Firestone Canada Inc. (BFCA) presented Mr. Ferguson with a $3,000 cheque and a
commemorative trophy in a ceremony today at the Ontario Trucking
Association’s annual convention. Bridgestone Firestone will also donate
$3,000 to a charity of Mr. Ferguson’s choice.
Nearing an overpass, Ferguson reacted swiftly as a
pedestrian, in an attempted suicide (according to police reports), suddenly ran
out into the lane in which he was traveling. Ferguson braked and brought his
truck to a stop on the shoulder of the highway, in front of the pedestrian. He
then led the distraught individual to the safety of his truck, but the person
promptly jumped out and headed back toward the highway.
As the pedestrian tried to jump in front of oncoming
traffic, Ferguson bravely gave chase across the lanes, tried to motion for cars
to stop, and finally caught and calmed down the individual before getting the
person back to the truck. According to the police report, Mr. Ferguson’s
actions and driving skills prevented this incident from becoming a fatal motor
vehicle accident.
“A hero, by definition, is a person who commits
a remarkable act of bravery, displays courage or strength of character,”
said David Scheklesky, General Manager, Commercial Truck Tires, for BFCA.
“Tim Ferguson certainly fits this description. His professionalism,
compassion, and complete unselfishness at a time of crisis were truly
extraordinary. He is a most worthy recipient of our Truck Hero
Award.”
The Bridgestone Firestone Canadian Truck Hero Award
winner is selected from the various nominees submitted by Canadian trucking
companies. All submissions are required to include a police statement
corroborating the nominated driver’s actions.
For photos of the winner receiving his trophy, or more
information on the Bridgestone Firestone Canada Truck Hero Award and its past
winners, please visit: www.truckhero.ca.
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