One Month to VATRO Tow Expo!

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Everyday Aussie Towing Hero to be Honored

A round of applause goes to Trevor Oliver, 46, for his rescue efforts on April 3, 2007. He is a director of Western Truck Towing and, next year, he will receive an Australian Bravery Medal for rescuing two people from a burning car.

Here's the Wimmera Mail-Times story:

HORSHAM truck towing operator Trevor Oliver will receive an Australian Bravery Medal for rescuing two people from a burning car.

Governor-General of Australia Major General Michael Jeffrey said Mr Oliver, 46, would be one of 24 Australians to receive the medal.

Mr Oliver, a director of Western Truck Towing in Horsham, played down his rescue efforts after a head-on collision on the Bacchus Marsh- Geelong Road on April 3, 2007.

"I was just Johnny-on-the-spot. I would have hoped if I was in the same situation someone else would help me and do the same thing," he said.

Mr Oliver said the crash had left a VW transporter on its roof and burning with a man trapped inside.

"I've never seen a vehicle go up so quickly in all my time in the towing industry," he said.

"I climbed in through the window and the bloke had his legs on fire and I couldn't get him out of the seat.

"I soon realised he was trapped by his seat belt so I cut him out with my pocket knife and dragged him out of the window.

"Another bloke helped me get him out of the window."

Mr Oliver said the other vehicle, a panel van, was embedded into the VW transporter.

"It was a painter's van so it had turps, paints, thinners in it and it was starting to catch fire," he said.

Mr Oliver and a co-rescuer secured a chain from the panel van to a truck at the scene and dragged the van 40 metres down the road.

He stayed at the scene to reassure and comfort the trapped driver, helping cushion and support him until ambulance and rescue personnel arrived.

The two men in the accident were airlifted to the Alfred Hospital.

Mr Oliver said he was amazed how quickly it all happened.

"It all happened in five minutes but seemed to take about half an hour. I was amazed at how many people pulled up and drove off, not many stopped to help," he said.

Mr Oliver now lives in Bacchus Marsh after moving from Buangor, where he lived for 23 years and was a CFA member.

He said his experience in the CFA and as a tow truck driver for 28 years helped him deal with the situation.

Mr Oliver said he was reunited with the man who had been trapped in the panel van through the Channel Seven TV program Medical Emergency.

Maj Gen Jeffrey said Mr Oliver displayed considerable bravery.

"Today's announcement of national bravery awards recognises the heroic actions of those among us who have placed the safety and lives of others before their own," he said.

Mr Oliver will be presented with his medal next year.

ND Tow Co. Owner Killed

Our condolences to the family and acquaintances of 65-year old Larry Gilje, owner of Larry's Towing in Grand Forks, ND. He died Aug. 25 after being pinned between a semitrailer and a tow truck in a parking lot. The circumstances of the accident are unknown.

Everyday Towing Hero in CA!

Kudos to Erasmo Lopez of Malibu Towing!
Here's the Aug. 27 Malibu Times story:

By Jonathan Friedman / Assistant Editor

A Porsche Cayenne caught fire on Pacific Coast Highway just below Pepperdine University last Thursday morning. The flames nearly reached nearby brush. Nobody was injured.

"It could have endangered the heart of Malibu," said Malibu/Lost Hills Sheriff's Deputy Jim Castro, who was the first officer to arrive at the scene. "The heart of Malibu was in danger for five critical minutes."

Malibu resident Rita Voge was driving her Porsche, which she said was "running shaky," to the repair shop at approximately 9:30 a.m. when she noticed smoke coming from the front hood.

"I stopped and pulled over, and I lifted up the hood," she said. "I was very lucky the guy from Malibu Towing was also coming up the hill, and he said he saw a fireball coming under my car. I didn't know."

Erasmo Lopez from Malibu Towing attempted to put out the fire with his extinguisher. This worked at first, but the flames soon restarted. A trail of water with flaming gasoline began to flow down the highway, threatening the brush on the side.

"So I grabbed the lady and told her to get into my truck because it [the Porsche] might blow up." Lopez said.

Lopez contacted firefighters at Los Angeles County Fire Station 88. They took approximately 20 minutes to extinguish the flames.

Capt. A.J. Cunningham said the gasoline had burned through a fuel line below the car, creating the fire trail along the highway.

"It was exciting for a little while," he said.

Voge said, "It was a scary moment, especially after I saw the fireball. I was very lucky."

Westbound traffic on Pacific Coast Highway was stopped at Webb Way for approximately an hour. Drivers were forced to turn onto Webb Way, and then go through Civic Center Way and onto Malibu Canyon Road before getting back onto the highway.

Man Pleads Guilty in Death of IN Tow Truck Driver

Mike Cunningham, a driver for 64 Garage, died in June. Read the June 9 TowBlog post for the full story. Here's the recent WFIE 14 news story:

A Henderson man pleads guilty in connection with the death of a tow truck driver earlier this year.

Police say 51-year-old Randall McSwain had cocaine in his system when his coal truck hit 32-year-old Mike Cunningham, of Princeton.

Cunningham was loading a vehicle onto his tow truck in Gibson County when he was hit.

McSwain is scheduled to be sentenced next month.

Sketch Released in Modesto (CA) Tow Truck Murder

Christopher Sisk, a 31-year old father of three, was killed last May. He worked for his family's A&R Towing of Modesto, CA. Read the CBS 13 story from last year here.

Here's the recent story from CBS13:

MODESTO The Modesto Police department has released a sketch in the death of a tow truck driver who was killed last year while trying to stop a thief from stealing his truck.

31-year-old Christopher Sisk died last May when he stopped at Swaid's Market on Hatch Road to buy a coffee. Sisk spotted a man trying to steal his tow truck and went outside to try and stop him and was run over.

Sisk later died at Doctor's Medical Center from severe head and chest injuries. Officers later found Sisk's truck abandoned on Lombardy Street in Modesto.

Witnesses described the man who stole Sisk's truck as in his early 20s, 6 feet tall, wearing dark clothing. He had a white bandanna or T-shirt on his head.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Modesto Police Department.

Chattanooga (TN) City Council Defers Tow Truck Ordinance

Here's the WDEF 12 News story:

Chattanooga city council members defer a vote on a new tow truck ordinance.

Several council members say they need more information to make a decision.

There's been a lot of controversy over whether or not to require a certain piece of equipment to clear the worst truck wrecks.

Now the council wants to look more at the time it takes to clear a wreck not the equipment used to do the job.

The proposed ordinance requires a 90 minute time limit.

The issues were brought forth Tuesday afternoon during a legal and legislative committee meeting.

"Our position is we want the road cleared as quickly as we can, as professionally as we can and we want some type of performance measure that a person has to meet and if they don't meet that performance measure, they are held to task," Bob VanHorn with the TDOT Help Program told council members Tuesday.

The proposed ordinance would also require additional training for tow truck operators.

Man, Woman Charged w/Trying to Run Over TX Tow Co. Employee

Click here for the story.

No Teeth to NH "Move Over" Law

Here's part of the story from the Portsmouth Herald News:

If you've driven into New Hampshire on a highway recently, you probably saw the electronic signs reminding drivers to move over if they see flashing red, blue or amber lights.

The signs were put up by the New Hampshire Department of Transportation earlier this month to inform motorists of changes to the state's "Move Over Law," which requires motorists to "give a wide berth without endangering oncoming traffic" to public-safety personnel and vehicles when drivers approach an emergency or blockage on the highway.

As of Aug. 5, the law now includes the provision that requires motorists to give a wide berth to construction equipment, tow trucks and other vehicles which display a flashing amber, or yellow, light.

But the law could be considered more like "Move Over, please."

It carries no fines or penalties for scofflaws.

Read the rest here.

Beaten at Impound Lot, MD Tow Truck Driver is Awarded $275K

Read the Maryland Daily Record story here.

TX Deputy Under Investigation After Tow Truck Shooting

Here's the WOAI story about a sheriff's deputy who is under investigation after he opened fire on a tow truck in the middle of his neighborhood early Tuesday. Read it here.

A Hazard of Being a Tow Truck Driver in the South

Here's the East Volusia News (FL) story:

Reptile deters wrecker driver's recovery effort

By LYDA LONGA
Staff Writer

DAYTONA BEACH -- A sport utility vehicle plunged into a pond near the golf course at Indigo Lakes early Thursday morning after the driver lost control of the vehicle and ran off Interstate 95 just north of International Speedway Boulevard, a witness said.

The driver of the SUV and his passenger escaped the sinking vehicle through the sunroof and were uninjured, according to Holly Hill tow-truck driver Adam Balboa.

Balboa of Arrow Wrecker Service said the crash occurred before dawn Thursday and Florida Highway Patrol troopers called him to the scene to remove the vehicle.

Balboa arrived at the scene about 8 a.m. and prepared to begin fishing the vehicle out of the murky water when he noticed two alligators on the surface.

"They looked pretty big," Balboa said. "They (FHP investigators) called the trappers and . .( ) we were able to go in the water and bring up the truck."

Balboa said the SUV was extremely heavy because it was so inundated with water.

Trappers killed the 8-foot-long gator recovered from the water, Balboa said.

More details about the crash and the victims' identities were not available Thursday night.

CA Deputy Jailed After Tow Truck Confrontation

Here's The Desert Sun story:

A San Bernardino County sheriff's deputy faces felony assault charges after he allegedly handcuffed and held a tow-truck driver at gunpoint along Interstate 10, about 45 miles east of Indio.

Richard Charles Heverly, 41, of La Verne was arrested Monday and booked into the Riverside County jail in Indio. He was released later that day on $150,000 bail.

He faces four felony charges for the Aug. 10 incident involving tow-truck driver Roger Gilstrap, whose hometown was not available Tuesday.

Charges against Heverly include assault with a semi-automatic firearm, assault under the color of authority, making a criminal threat and false imprisonment.

According to a statement by Michael Jeandron, a spokesman for the Riverside County District Attorney's Office, Gilstrap had noticed a “big rig” fire on the side of the freeway, near Eagle Mountain Road. While on the phone with police dispatch, the tow-truck driver blocked the freeway with his vehicle to keep people away from the fire until emergency personnel arrived.

Heverly then approached the tow-truck driver and flashed his badge.

“Witness reports indicate that Heverly escalated the confrontation by unlawfully handcuffing and holding the tow- truck driver at gunpoint,” Jeandron said.

Indio resident Sean Moore was traveling a few cars behind the tow-truck driver and saw some of the events unfold.

“The tow-truck driver looked scared. It looked like (Heverly) had the guy's hands behind his back,” Moore said.

He then noticed the off-duty officer taking photos of the tow- truck driver.

“He stuck a digital camera into his face. I don't know why,” Moore said.

As a witness to some of the events, Moore was subsequently interviewed by the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department's internal affairs unit and the California Highway Patrol.

The district attorney's office is now pursuing charges.

“The Riverside County District Attorney's Office has the authority to prosecute crimes that occur within Riverside County,” Jeandron said.

Heverly is scheduled to for arraignment on Oct. 29.

Xochitl Peña covers Indio and Coachella for The Desert Sun. She can be reached at 360-1340 or at xochitl.pena@thedesertsun.com.

SC Tow Truck Driver Arrested After Shooting

Here's the story from The Beaufort Gazette:

A Burton tow truck driver was arrested Tuesday and faces two counts of assault with intent to kill after police say he opened fire on two men during an argument at his impound yard on Bay Pines Road.

Michael James Louder, 28,of Burton remained in jail Wednesday afternoon on $80,000 bail, accused of shooting at Timothy Brian Bonk, 21, and Kevin Szabo, 24.

Bonk and Louder were arguing about a four-wheeler that was at Louder's lot. The argument turned violent when Louder went to the cab of his tow truck, retrieved a 9 mm handgun, and starting shooting at the two men, according to the Beaufort County Sheriff's Office.

When Bonk and Szabo tried to leave, Louder blocked the exit before ramming Szabo's Ford F-150 with his tow truck, causing an estimated $5,000 worth of damage to the truck, the Sheriff's Office said.

No injuries were reported in the shooting, authorities said.

Deputies recovered two shell casings and surveillance video from a nearby business captured the entire incident, the Sheriff's Office said. Deputies also seized a magazine of 9 mm bullets from the cab of Louder's truck.

CA Deputy Sheriff Charged With Threatening Tow Truck Driver

Here's the KPSP Local 2 News story:

A San Bernardino County Sheriffs Deputy has been arrested in Indio for allegedly terrorizing and threatening the life of a tow truck driver.

In an arrest decalration obtained exclusively by KPSP Local 2, a California Highway Patrol Officer indicates that on August 10th, San Bernardino County Deputy Sheriff Richard Heverly pulled up next to a tow-truck that had responded to a fully engulfed big-rig fire off Interstate 10 near Eagle Mountain. Heverly approached the tow truck driver flashed his badge at him and said "This entitles me to do what ever the f*** I want. The deputy yelled at the driver and grabbed his cell phone disconnecting his call. He then handcuffed the driver, puncturing his hand. Allegedly he then placed his semi-automatic handgun in the driver's ear and threatened to kill him. The tow truck driver suffered cuts and bruises from the weapon. The CHP officer indicates that Heverly refused to allow the man to leave for a full five minutes

The deputy has been charged with four felonies, all qualifying as strikes under California law, including assault with a deadly weapon and terrorist threats. He was released $150,000 dollars bail. The Deputies arraignment is set for August 20th, according to the Riverside County Courts Website.

Goodyear Seeking Highway Heroes

The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company is starting its second quarter-century of celebrating truck-driver heroics. A search is on for U.S. and Canadian drivers who come to the rescue of fellow motorists.

Nominations for the prestigious 26th annual Goodyear North AmericaHighway Hero Awards will be accepted through Nov. 30, 2008.

To be considered for this year's award, the following criteria must be met:
. Nominee must be a full-time truck driver;
. Nominee must be a resident of the United States or Canada;
. Incident recognized must have occurred in the United States or Canada;
. Nominee must have been on the job or on the way to or from work, and in his or her rig at the time of the incident;.
. Nominee's truck at the time of the incident must have 14 wheels or more;
Incident must have taken place between Nov. 16, 2007, and Nov. 15, 2008, to qualify.

Joe Copeland, vice president for Goodyear commercial tire systems, said, "Too many times, we only hear about the negative news of our world. That extends to truck drivers, who are truly misunderstood for the role they play in moving freight from the factories to our homes. We see today's truck driver as the brave men and women who make our highways safer and drive our economy. They truly are America's unsung heroes, and we want to honor them. The Highway Hero program is for those who selflessly risk life and limb to come to the aid of fellow motorists or who make the world a better place for all. Anyone can nominate a truck driver for this high honor," Copeland said.

Nomination forms and program details may be obtained by calling the Goodyear Highway Hero Hotline at 330-796-8183. The nomination form also is available on the program's web site at
http://www.goodyear.com/truck/news/hero.html.

towPartners Announces New Website

towPartners launched an all new website August 1.Some of the features of the new website are shown below.

Standard Features:

• Local Weather
• Gas & Fuel Prices
• News including US, World, Entertainment and more
• towPartners News
• Motor Club Rates and Statistics (expanded offering)
• Tow411 RSS Feed for Latest Posts
• Savings Ticker – See what members are saving!
• Mapping
• Advisor Articles
• eAdvisor (Latest 164 page issue online now)
• Polls
• Google Search
• NASCAR News
• Information on all of our savings programs
• Classified Ads
• Motor Club Listings
• Trade Show Listings

Members Only Features (Must be logged into view):

• National Towing Rates (Regional also for Light and Heavy Duty)
• Free VIN Decoder
• Legislation / Legal Research Tool (Gold)
• More detailed savings information including exclusive offers only to members
• Messages from towPartners
• Online Profile Updating which also updates free listings on towSearch.com
• Back issues of the Advisor online
• Access to our free software, towData
• Many more members only items in development

Take a look at www.towpartners.com.

MA Tow Service Loses AAA Contract due to "Lobster-gate"

This is related to my Aug. 5 post on this MA tow company and its "disposal" of a load of lobsters.
Click here to read the story.

Everyday Towing Hero in CO

Kudos to Mike Hipszky for his heroic actions! Here's the story from The Daily Record:

Humble Hero

Debbie Bell
The Daily Record

It has all the makings of a superhero movie — a wall of water, drivers in distress and a former Navy Seal buckling himself into a makeshift harness for swift-water rescue.

There is only one problem. Mike Hipszky, hero of this particular story, shrugs off his role in rescuing people from the July 26 flood at Copper Gulch, even though he risked his own life to save theirs.

“I’m no hero,” the soft-spoken 32-year-old said. “My dad is a hero. The people serving in Afghanistan and Iraq right now are heroes. My wife and daughter are heroes for putting up with me.”

Hipszky, a body-shop worker at Lindner by day, turns into a tow-truck driver by weekend. He had just finished a run up Copper Gulch Road late the afternoon of July 26, when the rain started.

“It was sprinkling just a little bit,” Hipszky said. “It turned really nasty, really fast. It was pretty crazy — I’ve never seen anything like it.”

Devastating rains dropped from a late-afternoon thunderstorm, racing down the flood-prone Copper Gulch area and stranding drivers. Strips of pavement dropped five feet straight down, and the road suffered severe shoulder and culvert damage. At least one lane of the road was completely washed away in three different places.

Safe in his 2004 Chevy Duramax wrecker, Hipszky had slowed to a stop when he felt the road beneath him start giving way.

“I was just sitting there, waiting for the water to go down,” Hipszky said. “It washed the road away from underneath the wrecker. I got washed off the road and started to worry — I didn’t want anything to happen to the wrecker.”

Even as his own safety shifted beneath him, Hipszky saw others in great distress and chose to focus on them.

“There were four or five cars that were stuck,” he said, including one that had literally washed down the channel. “People were out of and on their cars.”

Others had left their vehicles and made their way to higher ground.

“The water was so deep, it was washing boulders down,” Hipszky said. “It was really strong, really fast.”

So, he did what any hero would do — quickly created a makeshift harness out of ratchet straps from the tow truck. He attached himself to the wrecker’s cable and braved the rushing waters several times to bring others to safety.

“It was so hard to stand up. You had to lean into it so you didn’t fall over,” Hipszky said.

Another driver, a Marine — Hipszky didn’t get his name — helped reel him in using the truck’s winch.

“It was definitely a lot of water,” Hipszky said.

Hipszky admitted the adrenaline was flowing, probably making his actions seem easier than they actually were. He lost count of the number of people he saved.

More than four hours later, the ordeal was over, and Hipszky was able to drive away. The simple act of towing a car up Copper Gulch Road had turned into much more than he had bargained for.

Steve Lindner, owner of Lindner Chevrolet Cadillac Inc., said the wrecker was a mess after Hipszky’s adventures.

“It took us a good couple of days to clean that wrecker back up,” Lindner said. “The water was up to the doors. Weeds were floating in the tool boxes.”

Naturally, Lindner said he and the entire team at the auto dealership are proud of their colleague.

“He is just a great guy,” Lindner said.

Before he signed on with the Lindner team, Hipszky spent 12 years in the Navy, where he joined the SEAL special military forces. That reliable, disciplined and highly skilled maritime force operates from sea, air or land while employing stealth and clandestine methods.

Although reluctant to talk about his military service, Hipszky said he saw “almost every part of the world that has a shore,” spent time in war-torn Afghanistan and Bosnia. His duties there are undoubtedly the reason he downplays his role in the Copper Gulch flood of 2008.

“It wasn’t really that big of a deal,” Hipszky said. “It probably sounds a lot more impressive than it really was.”

A screenplay of the Copper Gulch flood, however, would tell a different story — one of honor, service, bravery and valor — with Hipszky as the hero.

Debbie Bell may be reached at dbell@ccdailyrecord.com.

Towing Co. Owner is 2008 Citizen of the Year in CA City

Here's The Sun story:

San Dimas' 2008 Citizen of the Year learned from father

Imani Tate, Staff Writer

Article Launched: 08/12/2008 08:27:48 PM PDT

SAN DIMAS - Service is a lifetime habit for Scott Dilley, the 2008 San Dimas Citizen of the Year who was spoon-fed activism and charity during his formative years.

Dilley and his younger brother Chris didn't have time to get in trouble as children growing up in San Dimas and La Verne. Their days were filled with youth sports, school and community activities and public-service projects.

Scott and Chris inherited more than ownership of Sanders Towing, Lock and Key and Automotive Shop from their dad, Ron Dilley. The examples of their father, mother Julie Dilley Hector and grandmother Pearl Dilley convinced the Dilley boys there was more to life than breathing air and taking up space.

Ron's record of service include La Verne Planning Commission, Rotary Club and Chamber of Commerce and philanthropic projects in San Dimas and La Verne. Pearl, retired chief baker for Bonita Unified School District, helped children in crisis with grandmotherly care and cookies. Hector volunteered with numerous community and children's programs before remarrying and moving to Texas where she continues to live a service-oriented life.

Family and community remain Scott's top priorities. His attraction to his wife, Ekstrand Elementary School teacher Kerry Dilley, was about more than her physical beauty. He chose a life partner equally committed to philanthropic work.

Scott is teaching older son Matt, 16, to recognize and respond to the needs of others.

Matt picks up trash, sells tickets, cooks, fills balloons and performs whatever tasks help others at the San Dimas rodeo, Western Days and birthday party, usually working side-by-side with Scott and Kerry.

"We are not alone" and the Golden Rule were the messages Scott constantly heard growing up and remain constant in his life today, he said.

Sanders' tow truck today also carry Girl and Boy Scouts, Little League, Pop Warner and Girls Softball Association athletes, church and community floats, professional rodeo cowboys and cowgirls, musicians, youth advocates, elected officials, military banners, costumed characters and public safety agents for parades and community events in San Dimas and La Verne.

Scott is a Bonita High School and Citrus College graduate.

Sanders Towing was started by Scott's great- uncle Leonard Stevenson and later owned by Ken Sanders before Ron Dilley bought it.

Young Scott was promoted to tow-truck washer before he and Chris began more serious tasks to prepare them for ultimately assuming ownership of the business in 2001 when Ron retired.

Fairplex Education Director Dan Harden, a retired Bonita teacher and La Verne councilman, said the Dilleys never stand on the sidelines when help is needed.

"Anytime the community needs support for anything at any time, Scott and Chris step up," Harden said. "Scott is the kind of person you like to be around, because he's positive, friendly, gentle, giving and caring. And so are his brother, his wife, his dad and his stepmom. The Dilley boys were good kids and now they're great, generous men."

Suit Settled

Jason Wahler's ex-girlfriend has agreed to pay $3,000 to a tow truck driver to settle a lawsuit he brought against her and "The Hills" star. Read the rest of the story here.

Murder Trial Starts in NC Tow Truck Driver's Shooting

Here's the WRAL.com story:

Rocky Mount, N.C. — The murder trial of a man charged with killing a Rocky Mount tow-truck driver on New Year's Day 2007 began Monday.

William Corbett, 25, was shot when he tried to tow a car parked outside a business across from a nightclub on North Church Street, police said. Witnesses said a large group of people left the club at about the same time Corbett was hooking the illegally parked car to his wrecker, and they surrounded him.

One man in the crowd pulled a gun, shot Corbett in the chest and fled, police said.

James Taylor Jr., 24, of 717 Starling Way in Rocky Mount, later surrendered to police and was charged in Corbett's shooting.

Another Reminder of How Dangerous Towing Can Be

Our best wishes for a full recovery to this MI tow truck driver who was severely injured after being trapped underneath a car. Read the full story here.

Jazz Diva By Night; Tow Truck Driver By Day

Cool story from South Africa's Daily Dispatch about an award-winning jazz singer who tow cars, too!

THE truck’s engine drowns out her voice as she shifts gears. She loses her cellphone signal and pulls over for the third time just so we can talk.

It’s just another day for award-winning Port Elizabeth jazz singer, Phinda Mtya. While her peers are running around shopping malls looking for outfits to wear for their next concert, Mtya spends the day in oily overalls towing broken-down cars.

She has been driving tow trucks on the streets of Johannesburg for the past eight years and enjoys it.

But on Saturday evening, the Tiki-Tiki star will swop the overalls for a stunning outfit when she performs at East London’s Orient Theatre.

The event, Divas Jazz Evening, which will celebrate Women’s Day, will also feature Oupa Makhubela, Mimmi and Linda.

It’s not often that one sees a woman behind the wheel of a tow truck, especially one that has performed in The Lion King and has recorded CDs.

“Actually, it’s my husband who has an interest in cars,” she says.

“We started a panel-beating business and our clients would have problems bringing their cars in. So we bought one tow truck and it ended up outperforming the actual business.

“Now we have both the panel-beating shop and the tow company. I drive the trucks when we don’t have a driver. L ike today, when there’s a strike, I’m very busy.”

It’s not unusual for her to get wisecracks from passersby when she’s driving the tow truck.

“I get a lot of eyes when I tow a car and some people even come up to me and say: ‘Ha! My sister, such a big truck? Do you have a driver with you?’ I just smile at them.”

She has to stop our telephone interview for a while as there are so many people stopping to greet her.

This is the attention Mtya has been getting since her song, Tiki-Tiki, announced her arrival in the music industry last year. Things have not always been this rosy. Mtya began singing at the Alabama Hotel in Port Elizabeth before touring with a band. In 1991, she moved to Johannesburg and worked with Yvonne Chaka-Chaka, who introduced her to her producer. Soon, she signed a record deal.

She recorded her first album, Into Yam, but it never saw the light of day.

“The company that I signed with was liquidated,” says Mtya.

“I was still very young, only 22. This was all happening within a year of being in Johannesburg.

“I could have moved the material somewhere else. Instead, I really got disappointed and stopped trying. When that didn’t work, I went back to doing what I knew best – singing backup and writing music for other musicians. ”

Things started changing when Lebo M, The Lion King co-producer, spotted Mtya performing in Johannesburg. She joined the cast of the hit musical and, as a result, was based in Canada for almost three years.

“That was the most humbling experience and it taught me many things about the industry,” Mtya says.

On her return to the country she joined Mahube, a collaboration of 12 of southern Africa’s finest musicians, including Oliver Mtukudzi, George Phiri, Suthukazi Arosi, Feya Faku and Andile Yenana, among others.

Her second album, Mbeka Phesheya, won a SA Music Award in 2006.

“When I heard my name I was zoned out and I don’t even remember what happened next,” she says.

Now this diva has her sights set on starting her own recording studio and launching a project to develop upcoming musicians in the Eastern Cape.

“It just goes to show, you can never judge a person by their job or by the clothes they wear,” she laughs.

l Divas Jazz Evening starts at 7.30pm and tickets are R80. They can be bought at Shoprite/Checkers outlets and at Computicket.

Parade of Tow Trucks Planned to Honor Killed AZ Tow Truck

Good story from The East Valley Tribune's writer Katie McDevitt:

About 200 tow trucks are planning to proceed through Gilbert and Mesa Thursday evening following a funeral for a AAA tow truck driver who was struck and killed on Loop 202 on Friday.

Jesse Gault’s funeral will be 5 p.m. at Falconer Funeral Home, 251 W. Juniper Ave., in Gilbert. The procession will take place between 5:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. from the funeral home.

It will move north on Gilbert Road and make a left on Main Street where the tow trucks will stop for a moment of silence in front of Gault’s former employer, Thompson's Auto Repair and Towing in Mesa at 1325 E. Main Street. Most of the procession will then continue on to Gault’s favorite restaurant, Hometown Buffet, located at 1855 S. Stapley Drive and the truck carrying his casket will return to the funeral home.

The body of Jesse Gault will be in a casket on the flatbed of a tow truck in the procession, said Chris Timothy, owner of Falconer Funeral Home in Gilbert.

Gault was killed along with Jean Bunch after he changed her tire in the emergency lane on Loop 202 near Gilbert Road about 10 a.m. Friday. A large truck driven by Albert J. Lorona, 31, of Yuma plowed into the back of Gault's tow truck, crushing Gault and Bunch only minutes before they were going to drive away.

Investigators still haven't interviewed Lorona because he has been at a local hospital with injuries.

The procession of tow trucks with flashing lights will be held in Gault’s memory, but will also be an effort to show state lawmakers that tow truck drivers want to see a change, said Joyce Capson, of Robins Towing, who has been a tow truck driver for 25 years.

“Why don’t we matter?” Capson said in a phone interview while holding back tears. “The ‘Move Over Law’ should apply to (us).”

Capson said she wants to see the law that requires freeway drivers to move over a lane or slow down for emergency vehicles on the side of the highway be changed to also include tow truck drivers.

Tow truck drivers were initially included in the bill, but were removed from the legislation before it became law.

Capson said she and other tow truck drivers have written letters to lawmakers in light of Gault’s death and have already heard back from one person.

“We’re trying to do all we can now,” Capson said.

Chattanooga Beer & Wrecker Board...

Sounds like an interesting committee to be on! Anyway, here's a short story on a recent ruling.

Tow Truck's Chrome Pays Off In AK Truck Show

Here's the story in The Courier about Cogswell Motors' second-place win during a Little Rock, AK truck show. "Cogswell Motor’s newest wrecker [a 2008 Peterbilt] bested more than 30 trucks to place second at the four-day event hosted by the cast of Country Music Television’s popular series 'Trick My Truck.'"

Farewell, Friend

Our condolences to the family and acquaintances of Bill Sutherland, one of the first presidents of the Virginia Association of Towing & Recovery Operators or VATRO.

His obit:

William Edward Sutherland Jr., 65, of Stafford County passed away Sunday, Aug. 3, 2008.

He was the husband of Lorraine Bernier Sutherland and was president and owner of Mount Vernon Fuel Oil Inc., t/a Woodbridge Marine.

He was past king lion of the Aquia Host Lions Club and past commander of Aquia Harbor Yacht Club. He was a member of the Mid-Potomac Power Squadron.

Mr. Sutherland was born in Alexandria March 27, 1943, the son of the late William Edward Sutherland Sr. and Bessie Cornelia Merchant Sutherland.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by two daughters, Carol A. Sutherland of Stafford and Billie Sue Walker and her husband, Jeffrey A., of Stafford; two sisters, Joan Rush and her husband, Jim, of West Virginia, and Patricia Roberts and her husband, Don, of West Virginia; and five grandchildren, William Christopher Sutherland, Jill Walker, Jesse Walker, Brandon Lang and Olivia Shupe.

A funeral will be conducted at 11 a.m., Thursday, Aug. 7, at Mullins & Thompson Funeral Service, Stafford Chapel, by the Rev. George Dearborn. Interment will follow in Mount Comfort Cemetery in Alexandria .

The family will receive friends Wednesday, Aug. 6, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Aquia Host Lions Club; the Aquia Harbor Yacht Club; or to Mary Washington Hospice.

Online condolences may be made by visiting mullins thompson.com

OH Tow Truck Driver Killed

Our condolences to the family and acquaintances of 27-year old Seth Hicks, who died Friday after being struck on the side of the road. Hicks worked for Fletcher's Towing Service in Circleville.
Read the story here.

In the News: "Wrecked"

Here's a story from the Belleville News-Democrat of IL.

And another from the Chicago Tribune.

Colleagues Mourn AZ Tow Truck Driver Killed Friday

Here's the story from The Arizona Republic:

by Jim Walsh - Aug. 5, 2008 12:00 AM
The Arizona Republic

Jesse S. Gault of Gilbert died doing something he loved: helping other people. Jean Bunch was a nurse who devoted her career to helping children.

Gault, 44, a Navy veteran and longtime tow-truck driver, and Bunch, 56, a nurse at Phoenix Children's Hospital, died Friday in a crash on the Red Mountain Freeway in Mesa.

Gault had just finished changing Bunch's tire at about 10 a.m. when a truck driver, Albert J. Lorona, 31, of Yuma, plowed into the back of Gault's tow truck in the emergency lane. The force of the crash pushed the tow truck forward, running over Gault and Bunch as it slammed into Bunch's sport-utility vehicle, according to Sgt. Harold Sanders, a state Department of Public Safety spokesman.

Sanders said police have been unable to interview Lorona because of his condition and may never know exactly why he struck the back of Gault's tow truck in the westbound lanes near Gilbert Road because of short-term memory loss, a frequent problem for trauma victims.

After the tow truck hit the victims and the SUV, it veered across three lanes of traffic and hit the cable median barriers, preventing the truck from hitting the eastbound lanes.

Gault and Bunch were pronounced dead at the scene.

Tow-truck drivers are planning to memorialize Gault with a procession of tow trucks through the southeast Valley on Thursday night. Gault's casket will be loaded aboard a tow truck and taken to a funeral home for services, said Bryan Vivian, Gault's boss at Thompson's Auto Repair and Towing in Mesa.

"A perfect tow driver has to be willing to help. It was definitely in Jesse's blood," Vivian said. "I've had a couple of callers who called in to say how pleasant he was in providing service to them."

Bunch started as a clinical emergency-department nurse. She was reassigned in February to help the hospital move to computerized patient-treatment records.

Gault was a 20-year Navy veteran and his ashes will be spread at sea by the Navy as a tribute, Vivian said. Gault was the father of four children.

"That's what he loved in life. He loved his kids and he loved his work," Vivian said. "We were happy to get him. We will definitely miss him."

A memorial fund for Gault has been established at Wells Fargo Bank. Gault's viewing is at 5 p.m. Wednesday at Falconer Funeral Home, 251 W. Juniper Ave., Gilbert. Services are at 5 p.m. Thursday at the same location, with the procession to follow.

NH "Move Over" Law In Effect Today: Covers Tow Trucks

Here's The Eagle-Tribune story.

MA Towing Co. Under Investigation

Seems 11,000 lbs of lobster and seafood went missing after the recovery of an overturned tractor-trailer... Read the Worcester Telegram story here.

This Towing Story Is A Load of Bull

Yeah, literally! Seems Stepps Towing of FL was called to recover one large bull statue that had been stolen from a high school. Read the story here.

Texas Tow Act Story

Signed into law last year, the Texas Tow Act goes into effect on September 1. Read the story here.

Farewell, Friends

Our condolences to the family and friends of Mark Storer, the owner of Airport and Burien Towing of WA, and his youngest son Brian. They were killed last week in a floatplane accident. Read the story here.

"Wrecked" Rocks!

I don't know about you, but I'm lovin' the new SPEEDTV series "Wrecked"!
Here's a story I found about it today.

OH Tow Truck Driver Killed

Sad news... Our condolences to the family and acquaintances of the Columbus, OH tow truck driver, who worked for Fletcher's Towing. He was struck and killed on the side of the road early this morning. Read the WBNS 10TV report here.

Terror Attack Victims in Israel Required to Pay for Towing

Interesting Israel News story from YnetNews.com:

Terror attack victims required to pay for towing

Government discovers new income source, charges bulldozer attack victims for towing their cars

Yaron Doron

Published:

07.30.08, 08:59 / Israel News

The State of Israel has discovered a new income source: Charging people whose vehicles were damaged in terror attacks for towing services.

A family of new immigrants from the United States was startled to discover the new policy while trying to overcome the trauma of the first Jerusalem bulldozer attack. The family was ordered to pay for the towing of its damaged car from the attack scene; other residents faced similar demands.

The vehicle was towed away, and later the family was contacted by a government appraiser and asked to pay NIS 685 (roughly $200) for towing the car.

The Aizenshtats moved to Israel from the US four years ago. On the day of the bulldozer attack they were driving in their car with their three children near the construction site where the terrorist came from.

"We were driving and suddenly saw the bulldozer charging at us," Rochelle Aizenshtat recounted. "We were in shock and we started screaming." One of the girls in the car sustained light wounds only, but the car was seriously damaged.

"This is simply a comedy," Rochelle said. "Our car was damaged in a terror attack, and now they're asking us to pay for the towing?" Notably, one of the owners of the towing company, Yuval Hadad, also slammed what he characterized as an "absurd situation."

"Regrettably, the government ordered me to collect the fee," he said. "I told them it's not alright. Isn't the experience they went through enough?" Hadad added that other residents were also required to pay the towing fee. After the Tax Authority was contacted, officials said they would compensate the car owners and refrain from charging from towing in the future.

Everyday Towing Hero in Nevada

My question: How come these guys seem to be "unnamed" most of the time???

From the Reno Gazette-Journal story:

Both lanes of eastbound Interstate 80 were closed near Fernley for about two hours Monday afternoon because of a vehicle fire. A engine on an 18-wheel Allied Storage truck caught fire about2:10 p.m., forcing the lane closures, said trooper Chuck Allen, a spokesman for Nevada Highway Patrol.A tow truck driver traveling behind the truck saw the smoke and helped separate the truck from the trailer before the fire spread to the trailer. The truck was destroyed.

Everyday Towing Hero in TX

Kudos! From a KFDM News Report:

A storm that parked itself over Vidor flooded the FM 105 underpass at Interstate 10 Thursday afternoon.

A couple of tow truck drivers rescued a woman from the flooding water.

Police blocked the intersection at FM 105 and Interstate 10 in Vidor, but a wrecker driver says a woman went around the police car and didn't get very far.

"Somebody's in need. That's what we're supposed to do, you know, regardless of what it is," said Joey Foux.

Joey Foux with Ray's Towing came to the rescue. He plunged into four feet of water and pushed the car out of the flooded water at I-10 and Main in Vidor.

What were you thinking when you saw her car go closer and closer to deeper water? That I can't believe they done it, they do it every time it floods," said Foux.

On the other side of the underpass, the driver of another four door car tried to get through the water and stalled.

None of the drivers was hurt, and at least one can thank Joey Foux.

He says every time it floods, he gets the opportunity to play in the rain and act like a big kid, and sometimes, even rescue drivers.

"Where else can you run around in shorts and tennis shoes and swim and get wet and play, and you know, flash your lights everywhere," said Foux.

And drive away unharmed, like the drivers he helps. "You gotta love what you're doing. To me, this is fun" said Foux.

We checked just before newstime, and the Interstate 10 underpass at FM 105 in Vidor is open.

More IL Towing Issues...

Here's a story about a Chicago police officer accused of "shaking down" tow operators. Read The Huffington Post story here.

PTROI Sues to Stop Tow Law in IL

Some more on the IL towing law from Phil Kadner's column in the Southtown Star:

Ask the government for a simple solution to a problem, and you inevitably end up with a bureaucratic mess.

Wreck-chasing tow truck firms have been charging motorists at accident scenes in Chicago $1,000 or more for a tow that should cost about $150.

I wrote a number of columns about this sleazy practice, and the state Legislature in the spring of 2007 passed a law creating rules and regulations for tow truck operators at accident scenes.

None of these rules regulated how much tow truck companies could charge because of federal laws that prohibit rate regulation.

The new law didn't take effect until July 1 of this year, giving the enforcement agency, the Illinois Commerce Commission and the towing industry, an entire year to prepare for the new law.

As I reported in an earlier column, by June of this year the ICC not only had failed to hire any additional police officers to enforce the law, but had yet to begin interviews for those jobs. But, I was told, the ICC was planning to do interviews.

Talk about waiting for a deadline. ...

On Tuesday, the other shoe dropped, so to speak.

I received a news release from the Professional Towing and Recovery Operators of Illinois, the "good guys" of the towing industry, announcing a lawsuit against the ICC.

I should point out that even the good guys of the towing industry didn't like the law very much because they were going to have to pay fees to implement the regulations.

If the Chicago Police Department had only stopped the pirate tow truck firms from operating on Chicago streets, the PTROI insisted, there never would have been a need for a new law.

That's right. But the fact is that Chicago turns a blind eye to these ripoff scams, and there's no indication that is going to change.

So the ICC began enforcing the law, and the good guys are screaming that instead of going after the bad guys, the legitimate tow truck operators are being ticketed and fined.

"While the state Legislature may have enacted the law with good intentions, the ICC has failed to enact regulations to administer the new law," the tow truck operators state in the news release. "For instance, the law requires the ICC to issue safety relocator registration certificates, but the ICC has failed to establish procedures for towing companies to obtain those certificates (despite having nearly a year to enact the regulations). Accordingly, towing companies are unable to comply with the new law even if they wanted to.

"Towing companies are also being issued heavy fines and citations from ICC police for failure to issue pre-tow disclosure forms to customers, even when the towing services is for an abandoned vehicle or initiated by a third-party commercial entity for warranty services on an automobile.

"In each instance, the owners of the vehicle are not present at the scene of the tow and the consent of the owner is not required."

The lawsuit seeks a court order to prevent the state from enforcing the law.

"The Interstate Commerce Commission Termination Act of 1995 generally prohibits states from enforcing or enacting laws that relate to the price, route, or service of motor carriers," the news release contends.

In other words, the tow truck operators claim the state does not have the authority to pass regulations on towing companies.

The Illinois Attorney General's office, in the past, has taken the position that states are allowed to pass public safety laws and that towing accidents from the scene of a car accident is a public safety matter.

I'm no lawyer. I'm not a legislator.

And I am not a tow truck operator.

I'm just a newspaper reporter who knows a problem when he sees one.

Towing bills for more than $4,000 were common up until a month ago.

I haven't seen one since the new law took effect.

Some of the good guys in the towing industry tell me the wreck-chasers still are out there doing their thing, but when I've asked for copies of excessive bills, no one has supplied one.

The ICC refused to comment about the lawsuit, with a spokesman claiming a copy of the document (filed Friday) has yet to arrive at its offices.

So maybe the law is working, although it is difficult to understand how the ICC, with about a dozen police officers statewide (five assigned to southern Illinois), could be cracking down on the bad guys and still have time to write tickets on the good guys.

If a court does stop the ICC from enforcing the law, it will certainly bring a smile to the faces of the wreck-chasers.

But then those guys have made so much money off the misery of others that nothing is likely to remove the smirk from their faces.

Phil Kadner can be reached at pkadner@southtownstar.com or (708) 633-6787.

Aussie Tow Truck Driver Killed

Sad news...

Police say the 51-year-old was reversing the road roller off his vehicle when it toppled off, trapping him beneath it at East Seaham about 6:30pm (AEST).

Officers and ambulance crews rushed to the scene on Italia Road but the man died a short time later from internal injuries.

Police believe the road roller lost traction on the tow truck's tilt tray.

They are preparing a report for the coroner.

More Everyday Towing Heroes!

Unnamed TX wrecker drivers come to the aid of a deputy who was trying to subdue a subject. Read the story here.

And a story from Saudi Arabia from the Arab News about a tow truck driver who stopped to help a groom:

BAHA: A groom making pre-wedding arrangements was dismayed when the truck carting the camels, cows and sheep broke down on the way to the abattoir. Fortunately for him a man driving a tow truck just happened to be passing by. According to yesterday’s Okaz newspaper, the tow truck driver agreed to help the groom get his animals to the slaughterhouse. The groom said he couldn’t believe his fortune to have a tow truck driver appear out of the blue just when he needed help. The camels, cows and sheep, on the other hand, weren’t quite as happy about the situation.

Remember: VATRO Legislative Meeting on Tuesday!

For Members of VATRO:
NOTICE OF LEGISLATIVE MEETING – On Tuesday, July 22, 2008, there will be a legislative meeting for VATRO at Aunt Sarah’s Pancake House at NOON. After VATRO’s meeting about our legislative goals and recommendations from the committee to the board for the next board meeting, members of MIHROA legislative committee will join us at 2:00 PM to present what their legislative goals are for the coming General Assembly session. As always, all members are invited to come if they desire, but only the legislative members can vote at this meeting. All points of view are welcomed at this meeting. Aunt Sarah’s Restaurant is located off I-95 at Exit 104, Carmel Church.

PLEASE CALL THE VATRO OFFICE WITH ANY QUESTIONS OR PROBLEMS. 800-541-2432

Susan Brassell, Administrator
Virginia Association of Towing and Recovery Operators, Inc.
P. O. Box 147
Manassas, Virginia 20108-0147
800-541-2432 FAX 703-361-1749
sue@vatro.org

Remember! "Wrecked" Premiers Tonight!

Here's the link to the schedule!
http://www.speedtv.com/programs/wrecked

Sneak Peek for "Wrecked"

Can't wait to see it this Thursday night! Check out this recovery:

Wrecked: Sneak Peak

FL Bicyclist Killed By Tow Truck

Read the story here.

Everyday Towing Hero Honored In TX

Kudos to TX tow truck driver T.J. Knox who was recognized for his heroic efforts on November 26, 2007 when he rescued the unconscious driver of a burning 18-wheeler. Here's the full story by Jamie Nash from The Courier of Montgomery County:

An East County wrecker driver was the last person and only civilian honored for his heroism this week after he and four law enforcement members rescued a man from a burning 18-wheeler after a multi-vehicle pileup on U.S. 59 in November.

The Texas Department of Public Safety presented Timothy “T.J.” Knox with the Director’s Award, signed by DPS Colonel Thomas A. Davis Jr., in New Caney at the office of Precinct 4 Commissioner Ed Rinehart.

Knox was nominated for the award by Trooper Paul Kohleffel, who was also a part of the Nov. 26, 2007 rescue effort. In his letter of nomination, Kohleffel detailed how he and Knox forced open the damaged door of the 18-wheeler and freed the trapped and unconscious driver as flames spread toward the cab of the truck.

“Had it not been for Mr. Knox’s personal disregard for his own safety, I have no doubt that Mr. Bailey would not have survived the accident on that day,” the letter states.

Captain Patrick Mulligan presented the award to Knox, whose children, Dalton and Kaitlyn, and his fiancé, Casey Lawson, looked on.

DPS Sgt. Donald Nance said the award was an excellent opportunity for the agency to recognize a citizen for his assistance.

“(Knox) can’t be repaid by money for his actions, but he’s been recognized by the department and is looked up to as a hero,” Nance said.

DPS Lt. Terry Truitt said the situation was unusual in his experience.

“This is the first incident I’ve been close to when a citizen risked his life in that way,” Truitt said.

He was proud of Knox’s actions and Kohleffel’s, as well.

“We don’t want them to put themselves in unnecessary peril, but sometimes they do in order to get the job done,” Truitt said.

Kohleffel received the DPS Director’s Citation for his heroism.

Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office Cpl. Rowdy Hayden, Deputy Justin Hamilton and Deputy Duane LeBeau were recognized earlier this month by the Houston/Harris County 100 Club for their role in the rescue.

Farewell, Friend

Our condolences to the family and acquaintances of Carl DeSpain of WA. The longtime owner of Carl's Towing died last Tuesday at age 66. Read a great story about the tribute paid to him by the WA tow truck community by Erik Olson of The Daily News Online.

NC Man Smashes Rear Window of Tow Truck During Repo

Read the story here.

Interesting story about this CA tow truck driver

Read about Big Mike's Mission here.

Everyday Towing Hero in Australia

Kudos to this Australian tow truck driver! Here's the story from ABC Regional Online:

A tow truck driver helped rescue a woman from a house fire at Milton in Brisbane's west this afternoon.

The blaze badly damaged the house in Railway Terrace, which had a collection of artworks inside.

James Whimp says he was driving nearby when he noticed smoke.

"I ran down the back of the house to locate a ladder to get her down," he said.

"But I couldn't find one so I ran over to my truck and backed it down the driveway where two police officers, a paramedic and myself pulled her out of the window."

New Orlando, FL Booting Ordinance

The new ordinance starts in 10 days and reduces the fee from $100 to $22. A tow truck driver must wait 15 minutes before booting, as well. Read the story here.

"Wrecked" In The News

Here's a good Chicago Sun-Times story by Mary Wisniewski on the Gratzianna family and the new SPEEDTV series "Wrecked" that premiers next Thursday, July 17th, at 9:00 p.m. CST - Read it here.

Here's another from the Chicagoist. Click here.

No Apologies in Orlando, FL

Here's another story about TowTruck Company of Florida and its owner, Paul Gren, from the Orlando Sentinel. Read it here.

Farewell, Friend

Our condolences to the family and acquaintances of Harold "Jack" Clark of ME, who owned Jack's Garage and Towing for 53 years. He was 83. Read about his tribute here. And here's another story.

CA Man Arrested For Shooting At Tow Truck Driver

Here's the blurb from the Union-Tribune newsblog:

A man was arrested this morning after he shot at a tow truck driver who was about to repossess his vehicle, sheriff's officials said.

The man was on Dale Avenue near Kanora Drive in Spring Valley just after 9:30 when he fired at the truck, officials said.

The shooter took off and was arrested about 20 minutes later by California Highway Patrol officers. He was taken into custody without incident. The tow truck driver was not injured.

Tow Truck Slaying Trial Delayed in NC

Here's the Rocky Mount Telegram story:

NASHVILLE — The murder trial of a Rocky Mount man accused of shooting and killing a tow truck driver was delayed Monday to allow the defense time to review previously unreported evidence.

James Taylor Jr., 25, is charged with first degree murder in the Jan. 1, 2007 slaying of 24-year-old William "Lee" Corbett. Corbett was gunned down around 3 a.m. that night while attempting to tow an illegally parked vehicle outside a gun shop on North Church Street. He died in the hospital nine days later.

The trial was scheduled to begin Monday, but Taylor's defense attorney Steve Fisher submitted a motion to continue the trial until a later date.

Corbett's family was upset by the delay, but said they understood the situation.

N.C. Superior Court Judge Quentin Sumner granted the continuation, but urged both Fisher and Assistant District Attorney Keith Werner to be prepared come Aug. 11.

"This date is set in stone," Sumner said. "If anything else comes up at that time, it just won't be included."

Read Tuesday's edition of the Telegram for the complete story.

$500,000 Bail Set for CA Tow Truck Company Owner

Here's an excerpt from the Gilroy Dispatch:

A San Jose judge set bail at $500,000 Friday afternoon for a local tow truck operator who stands accused of defrauding hundreds of motorists in local small claims courts.

Defense attorneys for Vincent Cardinalli, Sr., 65, his son Paul Greer, 31 - formerly Vincent Cardinalli, Jr., and two other family members met with Deputy District Attorney Dale Lohman at the Hall of Justice in San Jose for Cardinalli's bail hearing and to set the date for the group's preliminary hearing.

Read the whole story here.

CT Tow Truck Driver Charged In Police Incident

Sounds like this was quite the scene during this illegal-parking incident...
Read it here.

IL's New "Safety Towing Law" Goes Into Effect Today

Here's a column by Phil Kadner of The Southtown Star, who takes credit for the legislation.

And here's a report from CBS2 Chicago, which also claims credit for the legislation, thanks to their investigations...

Seems that Fuel Prices Are Affecting Towing Companies Adversely, Too...

Here's an excerpt from a story in The Daily Press:

Sam Brewer, president of the Towing & Recovery Association of America, said tow truck companies are having a hard time dealing with the increase in gas prices.

He said many companies have to raise their prices or make their service area smaller.

"If a company serves a 15 mile radius, they are probably decreasing it to a 5 or 10 mile radius," he said. "Tow truck drivers are not idling trucks as much, and many drivers can't take their vehicles home with them."

Brewer said with the rise in gas prices, many people have chosen to drive less which is also affecting the tow truck business.

"I think people aren't using tow companies until they absolutely have to," he said. "The average person is driving a little less, which has an effect on tow trucks. A 10 percent reduction in mileage represents a 10 percent reduction in towing."

Read the full article here.