Everyday Tow Heroes In IA

Kudos to Glen Mikel and his crew at G&S Towing in Des Moines for their good deed! Here's the TRAA press release:

The Towing and Recovery Association of America, in conjunction with its ongoing effort to improve the image of towers and the towing industry to the general public, would like to acknowledge the recent efforts of a towing company in Des Moines, Iowa.

On June 30, 2009, a boat carried a couple over a dam in Des Moines, leading to a dramatic rescue of the woman and the drowning of her husband. The boat was severely damaged and needed to be recovered from the Des Moines River. On July 3, 2009, G & S Service from Des Moines performed the work for no charge to provide some help after the tragedy.

“We’re doing this pro bono to help the lady out ­— she’s had enough loss,” said Glen Mikel, owner of G & S Service, a towing company in Des Moines.

The boat remained lodged under the dam for two days, but by the time of the recovery it had moved several feet downstream. Employees of G & S Service were able to hook a cable from a boom on its wrecker to the boat.

They towed it downstream and lifted it to a bridge as several dozen people watched the two-hour process.

“I’m glad this company donated their time and effort to do this for the family,” said Betty Lou Smith of Des Moines, one of the onlookers. “They’ve been through so much. It’s a neat thing that this community has come together to do this — first the rescue, now pulling the boat out.”

The full story can be found at http://www.desmoinesregister.com/article/20090703/NEWS/90703008/1001/NEWS

The Towing and Recovery Association of America endeavors to pass along positive news about the towing industry and places press releases in conjunction with these efforts. This release is a part of that effort. News submissions can be sent to jgodwin@towpartners.com.