San Antonio To Host Tow Expo Int'l. in May

Here's the press release:

San Antonio to Host Tow Expo Int'l May 12-14, 2011

September 24, 2010 - San Antonio, the city popular for its historic Alamo and unique River Walk, will once again play host to Tow Expo International 2011, according to Henri "Doc" Calitri, president of A.T. Expo, Inc.

The show will be housed in the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center from May 12-14. San Antonio was the show site from 2006-2008 before the show moved to Houston the last two years.

"We are very excited to go back to San Antonio," said Tommy Anderson, show manager. "The exhibitors we surveyed were overwhelmingly in favor of bringing the show back to San Antonio. It has proven to be very popular for both vendors and attendees."

"The River Walk is literally outside the door of our host hotel Marriott River Walk ($159/night) and within two blocks of the La Quinta ($129/night), our second choice hotel. The convention center is a stop on the River Walk and across the street from the Marriott. Anyone can enjoy the flavor of the city and its attractions within a few minutes of leaving their hotel room," Anderson added. "You can pick from dozens of restaurants along the River Walk promenade and have a great time."

Bridgestone Bandag Tire Solutions Re-launching trucktires.com

Here's the press release:

Bridgestone Bandag Tire Solutions (BBTS), a division of Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations, is re-launching trucktires.com, a Web site providing solutions and advice to help fleet customers increase tire life and reduce cost per mile.
“No two fleets are absolutely identical. That‟s why BBTS offers an extensive list of programs, services and products that can be used to help fleets customize solutions that are right for their business. One customer may want information on tire maintenance, the next may have tire operating costs that are out of line – each fleet may require a unique solution,” said Bill Block, Manager, Branding & Advertising, BBTS. “Trucktires.com is a portal to these resources, offering information and guidance for BBTS dealers and fleets of all sizes.
“The Toolbox page is structured to help fleets keep their businesses running smoothly, offering tools and services for fleet management, buying programs, tire performance analysis, training and education – as well as useful tips for reducing tire and maintenance costs,” continued Block. “For answers to specific tire problems, BBTS customers can e-mail a question to the „Tire Doctor‟ who will reply with a personalized response.”
The new site also serves as a portal to the Bridgestone, Bandag, Firestone and Dayton Web sites, where visitors can find precisely the right tire and retread products, locate the nearest dealer and access Emergency Road Service.
Fleet customers can also check load/inflation tables, watch tire care videos and link to trucking industry and government Web sites.
Tour the new BBTS Web site at www.trucktires.com.

October's Digital Edition Is Out!

Your October 2010 digital edition of Towing and Recovery Footnotes is now available. Simply click here to instantly begin reading the issue, or click on the features below to read specific articles.

• Drivers In Danger is a warning to operators to be alert for road rage and other potential violence, particularly toward repo men and private property towers. One towman survived multiple bullet wounds, but just barely. "Stay safe out there" has special meaning for towers. Page 12

• Pothole People. What are they? They are the bad hires that can hurt or even ruin your business. This is a cautionary tale to remind owner/operators of the potential liability arising from new employees with questionable pasts, particularly drivers who go out to cause accidents or other problems. Vet applicants thoroughly and avoid problems later. Page 10

• Tire Tech. Two articles relating to tire safety and inflation techniques will help you at your next purchase, always a big expense. Here are ways to save on wear and tear and protect your equipment bottom line with the best wheels to help you keep on truckin'! Page 15 and Page 16
• Hurting At Work? The Tow Doctor knows what's good and bad for you and here she gives you insights into the causes and cures of those pains and strains that our hard-working professionals are subject to, what with all the lifting and tugging required on the job. Page 19

Also in this issue: A chance to win a $200 Custer wireless lightbar kit from Pierce Sales; photos of a rare little English tow truck; new products from Jerr-Dan and Miller; and even a couple of jokes as well. And don't hesitate to ask about our combo print/online advertising deals that will increase your product visibility at a great savings over the usual rates.

If you cannot click on any of the links above, please copy and paste this URL into your web browser:

October 2010 Issue: http://www.flashedition.com/publication?i=47461

Updated: Tow Shows & Demos!

Shows, Training & Demos

Publicize your tow show, big recovery demo, training class, or repo event. Send your information by email: bcandler@dominionenterprises.com; fax: 757-233-7047; or mail: Bill Candler, Towing & Recovery Footnotes, Dominion Enterprises, 150 Granby St., Norfolk VA 23510.

Oct 22-23
New Southern Regional
Towing Convention
Cox Convention Center
Oklahoma City, OK
405-319-1724
www.ttsa.org

Nov 19-21
American Towman
2010 Exposition
Baltimore Convention Center
Baltimore, MD
800-723-3869
www.towshow.com

2011
Mar 16-20
TRAA Legislative &
Leadership Conference
Plus: Board/Business Meeting
Crystal City Marriott
Arlington, VA
  www.towserver.net
800-728-0136

May 12-14
A.T. Tow Expo
International
Gonzalez
Convention Center
San Antonio, TX
www.towshow.com
800-732-3869

Drivers Ignoring WI's "Move Over" Law

Hopefully, the story will bring some attention to the problem! Here's the northwestern.com article:

Sean Klessig of Fond du Lac gets nervous every time he hooks up a disabled vehicle on the side of the road as traffic whizzes by on Highway 41.

And when people do not obey the state’s 2001 Move Over Law, the man with 14 years of towing experience thinks of a deadly statistic that is growing across the country.

"I read articles in towing magazines on how a driver was struck and killed on the side of the highway while doing his job because someone didn’t obey traffic laws," said Klessig of Whealon Towing. "I’m glad I’ve never had to experience that at the towing companies I’ve worked with. I just have a feeling it is going to happen. I don’t want to be in a funeral procession because of an idiotic driver."

A lot of local publicity was given to the law in 2003 when Fond du Lac County Highway Department worker Dennis Roeseler was killed on Highway 41 while working within a highway work zone. Two Winnebago County highway workers were killed in March 2006 while working on Highway 41 shoulder repairs.

Authorities say it is an all too common occurrence for vehicles to speed past highway workers doing road maintenance.

The Move Over Law requires drivers to shift lanes or slow down to provide a "safety zone" for a squad car, ambulance, fire truck, tow truck or highway maintenance vehicle that is stopped on the side of a road with its warning lights flashing, according to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation.

"On 41 you sometimes cannot move over. You have to slow down to a reasonable, safe speed," said Fond du Lac County Sheriff’s Department Capt. Dean Will. "… What is reasonable is at the discretion of the officer. In a 65 mph zone, a reasonable speed could be between 30 and 40."

A first violation of the law will cost drivers $175.30 and three demerit points on a driver’s license. A second offense within one year will knock off an additional three points and cost $213.10, said Will.

On Sept. 18, Klessig saw a violation that he found disturbing as he was retrieving a vehicle on Highway 41, north of Military Road.

Update: Woman Charged With Vehicular Homicide In Death of WA Tow Truck Driver

Here's the Seattle Times story:

By Jennifer Sullivan

Seattle Times staff reporter

A Seattle woman, who authorities say struck and killed a tow-truck driver after she swerved across five lanes of traffic while on Interstate 5 early Friday morning, was charged Wednesday with vehicular homicide and hit and run.
Shavelle Lewis was driving with a suspended license when she struck and killed William Padilla, 51, at 1:26 a.m., said charging documents filed in King County Superior Court. Padilla was kneeling on the ground next to a disabled vehicle on the entrance ramp from Spokane Street to southbound I-5 when he was struck.
After the crash, Lewis did a U-turn and drove away, charging papers said. Troopers found Lewis and her 31-year-old passenger nearby, charging papers said.
Troopers said that Lewis smelled of alcohol and had watery, bloodshot eyes, charging papers said. Lewis told investigators that she had a glass of wine that night. Results of a blood-alcohol draw are still being evaluated by the state crime lab, the charging papers said.
Senior Deputy Prosecutor Amy Freedheim said in charging documents that Lewis has convictions for prostitution, hit and run and drug crimes, and has been sought on 14 arrest warrants since 2008. Two days before the collision she was arrested on warrants, and was released from custody the day before the crash, Freedheim said.
Lewis was arrested on Friday, but after the State Patrol failed to submit the necessary court paperwork by the deadline set by state statute she was released on Tuesday. A judge on Wednesday issued an arrest warrant.
Freedheim is asking that Lewis be held on $150,000 bail once she is rearrested.
Information from Seattle Times archives is included in this report.

Related

Sad News From OK

Our condolences to the family and acquaintances of 24-year-old Michael Cummisky, a driver for Storey Wrecker. He was killed after his wrecker was hit on the side of the road early Wednesday (9/29) morning. Here's the story from www.newson6.com:

NOBLE COUNTY, OKLAHOMA -- A Broken Arrow man has died after the wrecker he was sitting in on the shoulder of I-35 in Noble County was struck by another truck early Wednesday morning.
The Oklahoma Highway Patrol says 24-year-old Michael Cummisky was the driver of a 1995 Kenworth wrecker which was parked on the shoulder when a southbound semi hit the wrecker shortly after 2 a.m.  
Troopers say the semi left the roadway striking the wrecker in the rear.
Cummisky was flown by medical helicopter to an Oklahoma City hospital, where he was pronounced dead almost 10 hours after the accident.
Cummisky had been a driver for Storey Wrecker in Tulsa for about 2 years, according to Kristin Capeheart, who handles public relations for the company. 
Cummisky drove one of the company's largest wreckers, Capeheart said.  He had hauled a piece of oilfield equipment for a company in Kansas and was on his way home when the wreck happened.  Capeheart said Storey's large wreckers sometimes answer calls far from home because few wrecker companies operate such large equipment.
Capeheart said Cummisky had a blow out and was sitting on the shoulder as he waited for a tire service company to come replace the bad tire.
Capeheart said Cummisky was a very well-liked young man who was married and had two young children. 
The driver of the semi, 40-year-old Eddie Wyatt of Kaufman, Texas was taken to an Enid hospital where he was treated and released.
An investigation into the crash continues.

Sad News From WA

Our condolences go the family and acquaintances of 51-year-old William Padilla of Seattle who was killed by a drunk driver on the side of the road on Friday, Sept. 24th. Padilla worked for GT Towing. Here's the story from KOMO News:

SEATTLE - State troopers arrested a woman who they say struck and killed a tow truck driver on Interstate 5 in Seattle early Friday morning.

Officials said the 51-year-old tow truck driver was on the ramp from Spokane Street to southbound I-5 working on a vehicle damaged in an earlier crash when he was hit about 1:15 a.m.

William Padilla, who worked for GT Towing in Seattle, was kneeling down at the front of the disabled car when a man driving an SUV in the HOV lane lost control and drove across all southbound lanes before hitting the tow truck operator.

"We had DOT at the scene doing traffic control... so it was a pretty safe scene," Washington State Patrol Trooper Trisena John said.

"But, still, this person for some reason cut across all lanes and ended up hitting this tow truck driver even though there was plenty of traffic control and plenty of lights to notify approaching traffic that there was a collision scene ahead."

Padilla, of Burien, died at the scene.

Investigators said the woman driving the SUV sped off but was captured minutes later at the bottom of the Michigan Street off ramp.

The driver and another person who was in the car at the time of the crash were arrested and booked into the King County Jail. Officials said both were under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Dangerous Duty In MS

We hope this unnamed tow truck driver recovers quickly! Here's the story from WLBT TV:

JACKSON, MS (WLBT) – Jackson police have arrested the motorist who they say struck a tow truck driver working an accident scene.
J.P.D. Officer Colendula Green said shortly after two a.m. Sunday morning the unidentified tow truck operator was working on a disabled vehicle on south Gallatin Street, near the Pilot Travel Center.
Green said officers were on the scene when a woman driving a green Chevrolet Silverado hit two cars before colliding into the man who was removing a vehicle from a previous accident.
The wrecker operator suffered two broken legs and was transported to a local hospital.
The driver, whose name has not been released, fled the scene but was soon caught.
She is charged with dui and is being held at the Hinds County Detention Center.

Gun, Bullet Testimony Upsets Family of Slain NY Tow Truck Company Owner

Our thoughts are with the Marcinak family as they endure the trial of John Marcinak's shooter. Marcinak, a 49-year-old father of three, owned Garrison Garage in Garrison, NY. He was killed on Jan. 1, 2009 outside of his business. Here's the story from The Journal News on www.lohud.com:

CARMEL — The projected images of a slain tow truck driver and the multiple gunshot wounds that killed him brought some among his family and friends to tears.

The photos were shown Monday in the murder trial of Anthony Grigoroff in Putnam County Court.

Dr. Benjamin Bristol, a pathologist with the Westchester County Medical Examiner's Office, testified that the bullet that struck John Marcinak's abdomen was fired from close range, the muzzle of the gun perhaps touching his clothing, judging by tell-tale marks on the surrounding skin.

Bristol performed the Jan. 1, 2009, autopsy on Marcinak, the 49-year-old father of three killed outside his Route 9 business, Garrison Garage.

"You can see the black soot very deep in the wound, again indicating to us that this was at very close range," Bristol told Assistant District Attorney Lisa Ortolano.

Grigoroff, 19, a resident of Lake Peekskill, is charged with second-degree murder, second-degree burglary and second-degree criminal possession, felonies.

Jurors examined sketches and Styrofoam busts illustrating the trajectory of the bullets that struck Marcinak's head, left eye and torso.

Bristol testified that the two head wounds were probably consistent with the victim being shot while lying on the ground by someone standing over him. Unlike the head wounds, the shot to his stomach was likely fired from in front, Bristol said.

Earlier, Sgt. Dennis Lyons, a state police firearms expert, testified that the same gun, a .44-caliber revolver, could have fired the three bullets. At least one, possibly all three, were hollow-point slugs, Lyons said.

The prosecution replayed Grigoroff's May 1, 2009, videotaped confession, in which he recounted how he; his twin brother, Erick; and Byron Mountain, 26, planned the crime, and how Mountain shot Marcinak during the botched burglary.

Erick Grigoroff and Mountain are being held on unrelated charges and have not been charged in the case.

Dangerous Duty In OR

Here's the story from Fox News 12:

PORTLAND, Ore. -- A tow truck driver hooking up a car to his rig on Highway 26 was struck and injured by a car Sunday afternoon, fire officials said.Portland firefighters said the car’s driver lost control as the vehicle spun out on wet pavement and crashed into the tow truck driver just west of the Vista Ridge Tunnel.The tow truck driver survived and is recovering at a Portland hospital. His name was not released.The car’s driver stayed at the scene of the wreck and cooperated with the investigation.

Sad News From PA

Our condolences to the family and acquaintances of 30-year-old Ray Santiago, a Philadelphia tow truck driver who was run over by a rival at a gas station early Sunday, Sept. 26. Here's the AP story:

Philly tow truck driver charged with killing rival

By MARYCLAIRE DALE (AP) – 19 hours ago

PHILADELPHIA — Turf wars among tow truck drivers are nothing new in Philadelphia, but they have turned unusually violent — and now deadly — in 2010.
A territory feud apparently led one driver to repeatedly run over over a rival with his truck at a gas station early Sunday, killing him, police said.
Ray Santiago's death comes months after authorities charged another tow-truck driver with shooting a competitor at an accident scene. Both firms involved in that case were then vandalized, one with a barrage of bullets and the other with a fire that tore through 13 vehicles.
"It runs in cycles, but 2010 has been the most violent year I've seen in almost a quarter century," said lawyer William J. Brennan, who has defended several tow operators charged in on-the-job scrapes. "Maybe it's the economy. Maybe people are getting desperate."
Glen McDaniel, 25, of Philadelphia was being held without bail on murder, drunken-driving and other charges in Santiago's death. It was not clear if he has an attorney.
Philadelphia police try to rotate tow jobs among a list of approved operators, but they don't do so if a tow truck beats officers to a crash scene. That leaves rivals racing dangerously through narrow city streets to claim jobs before police give them away, critics say.
That cutthroat competition explains why TV producers seized on Philadelphia for an upcoming TLC network show called "Wreck Chasers," which is following several drivers with an unidentified firm for a series set to start next month.
The city was chosen because of the unusual and competitive nature of its towing businesses, the show's executive producer, Jim Kowats, told The Associated Press earlier this month. A TLC spokeswoman did not immediately return a message Monday.
Santiago, 30, may have been involved in a towing-related film project, but police did not know if it was the TLC program, Lt. Frank Vanore said. And no filming was under way when the fatal argument erupted, said Vanore, a police spokesman.
City Councilman Jim Kenney wants oversight of the industry moved from police to the Philadelphia Parking Authority. The authority has dispatchers and impound lots available, and could eliminate the dubious practice of drivers getting cash from auto-body shops to bring in wrecked cars, Kenney said.
In July, police charged Jose LaTorre Jr. of J & Sons Autobody with shooting a Mystical Towing driver in the thigh as they argued at a crash scene. LaTorre had gotten there first, but was trying to claim the customer from his Cadillac Escalade. The Mystical tow driver therefore considered the client fair game.
"With wreck chasers, whoever's got a truck and some guts, and a connection with a body shop, wins," Brennan said.
He had defended Santiago on unrelated drug charges in 2008, and recalled his client as a family man, with a wife and children.
Police believe Santiago had an underlying feud with McDaniel over their respective territories, although there was no accident in progress when they met up Sunday just before 3 a.m. at a North Philadelphia gas station. They ran into each other as a bar let out across the street.
They may have argued over a woman at the scene, but police believe they mostly fought over their turf.
"I don't think it was about a specific tow, like we've seen (at issue) in the past. This is more like, 'You're in my area. What are you doing down here?'" Vanore said.

Copyright © 2010 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

Don't Miss Oktowberfest & the 40th Anniversary of MA's Statewide Towing Association!

Oktowberfest 2010
A New England Towing Event
Holiday Inn Select
Woburn, MA
October 1-3, 2010

We are looking forward to a record crowd in 2010 to help us celebrate Oktowberfest and the 40th Anniversary of the Statewide Towing Association! This is a wonderful location, easily accessible from all of New England, right off Rte. 128, close to Boston and New Hampshire. The Holiday Inn Select-Woburn is a show location with a hotel, restaurant and lounge onsite. Parking won’t be a problem; we have secured ample parking to accommodate our guests at the Showcase Cinema adjacent to the hotel. Need more to do? Historic Boston, Concord and Lexington are only a short ride for those who want to round out their trip.

We will still have the events you look forward to and many more!

DJ Harrington – “The Tow Doctor”
Thursday Night Famous Pub Run
Fri Night Meet & Greet sponsored by Ricky’s Sales & Service
Friday Night Light Show Contest sponsored by Federal Signal & MHQ
“New” Kids Karnival & Rotator Challenge sponsored by Big Wheel Truck Sales
Tow Truck Beauty Contest sponsored by Coady’s Garage & Towing
Sat Night 40th Anniversary Gala sponsored by AAA Clubs of MA; co-sponsored by Allstate Roadside Services and Coady’s Garage & Towing - Limited seating, tickets $20 pp
Saturday Breakfast sponsored by NRC
Sunday Breakfast sponsored by Jerr-Dan

Hospitality sponsored by Miller Industries

Sunday Morning Tow Truck Procession to benefit Shriners Hospital
WreckMaster Mini Clinics – Saturday & Sunday
Live Demos with Tom Luciano on Saturday



Live “Real Deal” Demos sponsored by Statewide Towing Academy
“Old Iron” Vintage Wreckers on Display 
See the Latest in New Equipment & Accessories

Hotel reservations 781.935.8760 (Code: Statewide Towing Assoc) or visit www.statewidetowing.org for event info, schedules and hotel online link.
508.303.6699 ● office@statewidetowing.org ●www.statewidetowing.org

IN Woman Causes Wreck After Car Was Repo'ed

Here's the story from the Herald Argus:

A woman caused a crash with a tow truck that was driving off with her car, which was being repossessed.

According to police, 32-year-old Barbara Sweeney of South Bend was at a Fish Lake home September 16 when she was approached by a man who asked her to sign paperwork for him to repossess her car.

She refused to sign the documents so the man began driving off with the 2000 Saturn.

Police said Sweeney took off after the tow truck in another vehicle westbound on county Road 200 South.

After about a two-mile chase, police said the woman passed the tow truck and veered back in front of it, then slammed on her brakes, which caused both vehicles to collide.

Police said Sweeney and the tow truck driver, Dennis Jones, 48, of Elkhart, both complained of pain over their entire bodies.

United Road Towing Launches UR Vehicle Management Solutions

Here's the press release:

United Road Towing, the industry leader in towing, impound management, vehicle disposal, and motorist assistance solutions, has announced the creation of a new service offering to address specific financial and operational challenges facing municipalities across the country. The new offering is called UR Vehicle Management Solutions (UR VMS) and focuses on delivering exceptional service, absolute transparency and substantial savings or increased revenue for municipalities. UR VMS has already made significant improvements to towing and vehicle management programs in major municipalities throughout the United States including Chicago, Phoenix, and San Antonio. UR VMS has been able to draw on these experiences to develop proprietary methodologies, customized software and innovative technologies to gain a true advantage in providing an efficient and transparent environment for towing and vehicle management programs.
Ryan Davids, Vice President of Business Development, said, "We've successfully infused logistical technologies into our existing partnerships with municipalities and law enforcement to create a completely transparent environment. Our customized software solutions have produced measurable results in a variety of areas that have long been a challenge for municipalities."
Jerry Corcoran, Chief Executive Officer and President of United Road Towing, added, "During these difficult economic times, we are excited about the launch of UR Vehicle Management Solutions. United Road Towing and now UR VMS have proven successful not only in privatizing municipal programs but also turning these programs into significant profit centers to relieve the burden on tax payers."
Municipalities interested in more information about UR Vehicle Management Solutions should call or email the company at:

UR Vehicle Management Solutions
www.urvms.com
Phone: (877) 684‐4440
Fax: (708) 390‐2222
rdavids@urvms.com

About UR Vehicle Management Solutions
United Road Towing, Inc. (doing business as UR Vehicle Management Solutions) is the leader in towing and vehicle management solutions serving municipalities throughout the United States from Los Angeles to the State of Massachusetts. On an annual basis, UR VMS dispatches approximately 500,000 tows as well as manages over 300,000 impounds and sells over 60,000 abandoned vehicles.

Nice Profile on PA Towing Hall of Famer

Jim Schlier with one of his company's largest towing and recover trucks at the Tannersville center of Schlier's Towing. He started a home-based business in 1975, and now owns a towing company with 50 trucks, 46 employees and six locations.

Here's the story from the Pocono Record:

By Wayne Witkowski
Jim Schlier started his towing business with his parents at a small garage at their Reeders home shortly after graduating from Pocono Mountain High School in 1975, never realizing then that it would grow to 50 trucks at six locations and 46 employees.

"I had a body shop and we needed to get (cars from) accidents. One fed the other," said Schlier.

On Saturday, he was one of eight 2010 inductees in the International Towing and Recovery Hall of Fame in Chatanooga, Tenn., the only inductee this year from Pennsylvania.

"It's quite an honor," said Schlier, who also is a member of the museum. "It's probably a little overwhelming. I look at people I've known and admired who were inducted 15 years ago."

An original founder and lifetime member of the Pennsylvania Towing Association who served as its first president in 1987, Schlier is a lifetime member. He operates locations in Tannersville, Stroudsburg, Gouldsboro, White Haven, Hickory Run and Lehighton. He operates a light-, medium- and heavy-duty towing and recovery company, utilizing 60 pieces of equipment in 24-hour service.

Schlier also does auto and truck repairs and says his is the only company in the region that uses air cushions to lift overturned tankers.

The hall of fame, which had its first induction in 1986, each year recognizes those "who have made a difference," not only in business but in their community and in people's lives. His company has sponsored many Little League teams and he has volunteered helping the Pocono Township Fire Company fundraisers. He was named Citizen of the Year by the Tannersville Lions in 2006.

Schlier is the fourth inductee from the Keystone State, joining Harold Wheeler, Charlie Beard and Pat Herring.

"Without good employees and customers, it doesn't matter. We've had a lot of good customers over the years," said Schlier proudly.

And repeat car owners and truckers need servicing, Schlier said, as his business on the truck side remains solid since a major trucking hub in Bartonsville was closed.

"With PennDOT's stringent rules, there are less truck repairs because equipment is not as old as it used to be," he said. "It has to be in good condition. You may see some truckers or companies two times a year, but it's every year for 20 years."

Certainly, towing is a major part of his business and is not without its quirks.

He has been involved with removing many disabled vehicles from crashes, some of them fatal that included one recently at Schafers Schoolhouse Road in Stroudsburg. With certification in hazardous materials, he recovered a rollover tanker that spilled ammonia hydroxide in Wind Gap a few years ago.

He also remembers his company helping remove the body of an obese man from his home for the funeral.

"He must've weighed around 1,000 pounds, poor guy," recalled Schlier. "Firemen had to cut out his home so we could take him."

Schlier's reach goes well beyond northeast Pennsylvania. He recalls making frequent trips to New England to bring back disabled trucks when Roadway had a terminal in the area. "We'd go up there all the time," he said.

Schlier also remembers a double-decker bus stranded in Phillipsburg, N.J., that his company transported to El Paso, Texas, about 20 years ago.

The busiest time of the year?

"When it's either very hot or very cold, when there are a lot of people in the Poconos, " he said, referring to the summer tourism and winter ski seasons. "But even the icy roads are not as bad as the summer. Sometimes even we can't get out when it's really bad for a tow."

But the economy also pushed Schlier into re-evaluating and rightsizing his business, which at one time in recent years had as many as nine locations.

Certainly, when he arrives on the scene, he is a welcome sight to some people looking for help.

"People are at their worst when dealing with us: accidents, arrests, (stranded on) vacation, breakdown. People are not happy when you get there," he said.

Along with the excitement of his induction, his wife, Linda, has heard from CNN, which is scheduling a mid-October visit to the Candle Shoppe of the Poconos in Swiftwater that she owns for a shoot of its museum and haunted house. Earlier, the store was featured on a segment of "The Haunted" on cable television network Animal Planet as being haunted by monkeys — allegedly past victims of medical experiments.
Schlier's Towing and Recovery can be reached at 570-629-0293.

NJ's Logan's Towing Celebrates 60th With New Truck

A new Peterbilt all-wheel-drive heavy-duty towing rotating wrecker has joined the fleet of vehicles at George Logan’s Towing in North Brunswick. The vehicle can lift 100- ton vehicles in the event of heavy-duty tows or serious accidents. JENNIFER AMATO

Congratulations from all of us at Towing & Recovery Footnotes! Here's the story from the Sentinel:

NORTH BRUNSWICK — To celebrate the 60th anniversary of the longest running business in North Brunswick, George Logan’s Towing purchased one of the largest heavy-duty towing rotating wreckers available in the country.

“The Iron Emperor” is an all-wheeldrive Peterbilt from Elkhart, Ind., which serves to lift large vehicles weighing up to 100 tons in the event of heavy-duty tows or serious accidents. Its boom goes up an extra two lengths to extend and rotate to lift vehicles that may be in hard-to-reach locations.

“We get called to a lot of really bad stuff that has a lot of weight on it,” George Logan II said.

George Logan Towing was established on Jan. 7, 1950, on Route 130. George Logan II runs the business with sons George III, Richard and Ronald, who are all trained to operate the huge new truck. There is a staff of employees who operate the other 35 tow trucks, carriers, heavy-duty wreckers and flatbeds that are used in accidents in Middlesex, Monmouth, Somerset and Hunterdon counties.

George Logan II comes in every morning at 6 a.m. to start working, emulating the work ethic his father and uncle had in the industry. Because of the 24/7 service provided, George Logan II and George Logan III agreed that some days are difficult, especially when they have to respond to scenes such as a pedestrian getting killed, a schoolteacher being pinned under a tractortrailer or bad crashes at the North Brunswick circle.

“It’s just the kind of business we’re in,” George Logan II said.

“You never know if it’s going to be family or friends [at a crash scene]; that’s the hard part,” George Logan III said.

Another milestone George Logan II celebrated this year was his 60th wedding anniversary with his wife, Rosemarie. Besides their three sons, they have twin daughters, Lori and Lynn.

George Logan II is an honorary life member of several police departments, fire departments and rescue squads.

He received the Order of Towman from American Towman Magazine in 2009, a Maltese cross with a unique towing icon sculpted inside, for his dedication to his profession and for service to the community.

“I’ve always been treated nice here. They like me. They’ve treated me with respect,” George Logan II said of his time working in his hometown.

“It’s been a long life,” George Logan II said with a smile.

Contact Jennifer Amato at

jamato@gmnews.com.

Sad News From NC

Our condolences to the family and acquaintances of 59-year-old Clay Malloy, Sr., the owner of Clay's Wrecker Service in Greenville, NC. He was found dead on Saturday, Sept. 18, at his business. Here's the latest story from www.witn.com:

Greenville Police say they have recovered a car they believed was involved in the suspicious death at Clay's Wrecker Service.
Clay Malloy, Sr. was discovered in the back of Clay's Wrecker Service early Saturday morning. His family says they believe he was murdered. Police are so far calling the death "suspicious."
Police said Tuesday morning they recovered the car involved in Malloy's death. The vehicle was described to detectives as a white Buick with red doors. Police say this vehicle was seen speeding away from the incident with heavy damage to the front end.
Police continue to wait on the autopsy report from the Medical Examiner before announcing what killed Malloy. The Medical Examiner is waiting for more test results.
Greenville Police urge anyone with information on the case to call police at at 252-329-4809 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              252-329-4809      end_of_the_skype_highlighting or Pitt/Greenville Crimestoppers at 252-758-7777 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              252-758-7777      end_of_the_skype_highlighting. You can also text “PITTGV” to 274637.

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Previous Story
A cause of death is pending for the owner of a wrecker service who was found dead at his business Saturday morning.
Clay Malloy, Sr. was discovered in the back of Clay's Wrecker Service early Saturday morning.
While family members say the 59-year-old Malloy was murdered, Greenville police say they are still investigating the man's death.
The Pitt County Medical Examiner's Office says they are awaiting results of tests before releasing a cause of death.

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Previous Story
Greenville Police are investigating a death at Clay's Wrecker Service in Greenville.
Cpl. Kip Gaskins tells WITN that Greenville police responded to a call around 6 a.m. Saturday morning. He says a family member found 59 year old Walter Clayton Malloy Sr., owner of Clay's Wrecker Service, in the back of the business outside.
The business is located at 2016 Chestnut St.
No word yet on what led to Malloy's death. Gaskins says police are still investigating.
Many family members and friends gathered at the business Saturday afternoon and told WITN it was shocking to hear of Malloy's death and that he was a good person that will be greatly missed.

Don't Miss Oktowberfest & the 40th Anniversary of MA's Statewide Towing Association!

Oktowberfest 2010
A New England Towing Event
Holiday Inn Select
Woburn, MA
October 1-3, 2010

We are looking forward to a record crowd in 2010 to help us celebrate Oktowberfest and the 40th Anniversary of the Statewide Towing Association! This is a wonderful location, easily accessible from all of New England, right off Rte. 128, close to Boston and New Hampshire. The Holiday Inn Select-Woburn is a show location with a hotel, restaurant and lounge onsite. Parking won’t be a problem; we have secured ample parking to accommodate our guests at the Showcase Cinema adjacent to the hotel. Need more to do? Historic Boston, Concord and Lexington are only a short ride for those who want to round out their trip.

We will still have the events you look forward to and many more!

DJ Harrington – “The Tow Doctor”
Thursday Night Famous Pub Run
Fri Night Meet & Greet sponsored by Ricky’s Sales & Service
Friday Night Light Show Contest sponsored by Federal Signal & MHQ
“New” Kids Karnival & Rotator Challenge sponsored by Big Wheel Truck Sales
Tow Truck Beauty Contest sponsored by Coady’s Garage & Towing
Sat Night 40th Anniversary Gala sponsored by AAA Clubs of MA; co-sponsored by Allstate Roadside Services and Coady’s Garage & Towing - Limited seating, tickets $20 pp
Saturday Breakfast sponsored by NRC
Sunday Breakfast sponsored by Jerr-Dan

Hospitality sponsored by Miller Industries
Sunday Morning Tow Truck Procession to benefit Shriners Hospital
WreckMaster Mini Clinics – Saturday & Sunday
Live Demos with Tom Luciano on Saturday

Live “Real Deal” Demos sponsored by Statewide Towing Academy
“Old Iron” Vintage Wreckers on Display 
See the Latest in New Equipment & Accessories

Hotel reservations 781.935.8760 (Code: Statewide Towing Assoc) or visit www.statewidetowing.org for event info, schedules and hotel online link.
508.303.6699 ● office@statewidetowing.org ●www.statewidetowing.org

TX Scam Alert

Posted by Southwest Tow Operators:
This is another letter Many Towers in Texas have received in their accounts. Please look at the format of this email and recognize it if it is sent to you. There are others that are very similar to this one in circulation. 
Please do not respond to or contact these folks, they will only target you further.

Jess Horton
Executive Director
Southwest Tow Operators

Hello Owner/Manager,
   i am contacting you as a towing company, my name is Joseph Lami, i should have called you but i am hearing impaired that is why i am contacting you via email.

I want to tow some vehicles precisely 6 cars   which i am sending in from North Carolina by air and in need your services for this so that i can have my shipper send them from NC to the nearest airport to you.

also i want you to know that they are all Honda Accord 07, 3 black and 3 wine colour, so you are to store the vehicles for 3 days also i want you to know that i will be paying  with my credit card i will have you run my card for the approximate costs  which i need you to give me then i make up the balance when i come to finally pick up after three days from ur location so i will be very happy if you can get back to me with the name of closest airport to your location..and the total cost to tow six vehicle and store them for 3 days.

So please get back to me as soon as possible. Tha nks