Truckers honor fallen Tennessee DOT worker

July 15, 2011
Rigs representing dozens of wrecker companies in the Memphis, TN, area, created a caravan last weekend to honor Robert Nowicki, a TDOT worker who was killed trying to help a stranded trucker, according to WMC-TV news

Rigs representing dozens of wrecker companies in the Memphis, TN, area, created a caravan last weekend to honor Robert Nowicki, a TDOT worker who was killed trying to help a stranded trucker, according to WMC-TV news.

While attempting to help the driver of a stalled big rig on June 20, Nowicki was struck and killed by another semi. The driver of the truck that hit him was also killed in the collision.

“He (Nowicki) worked a couple of wrecks for us,” Champ Hallam with Mase Wrecker Service told WMC-TV. “He was a real nice guy. He would do anything for you.”

The caravan was arranged by two trucking company workers as a means to honor Norwicki and raise donations for his family.

“He has a wife and four kids,” said John Thomas with TDOT. “His whole career was as a first responder with either the Help program, (as) a police officer for the city of New York or (as a) Marine. His career was helping people.”

Before the caravan, all the trucks lined two-by-two at an East Memphis shopping center in a show of support for Nowicki and his family.

“We’re just like a family,” said Hallam. “Just like the police and fire department, we work together.”

For more information on the fundraiser for Nowicki, contact TDOT at 731-225-6041.

About the Author

Deborah Whistler

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