Five Good Things: Honoring drivers and responding to disasters
2024 TCA Highway Angels of the Year: Honoring three truck drivers
Truck drivers Jason Corino of Melton Truck Lines, Michael Dorsey of Mercer Transportation, and Daljit Sohi of Triple Eight Transport have been named the 2024 TCA Highway Angels of the Year by the Truckload Carriers Association. These drivers were announced and celebrated at a luncheon awards program held during TCA’s annual convention in Phoenix.
Here are the stories of the 2024 TCA Highway Angels of the Year:
- On November 29, 2023, in Colorado, Jason Corino witnessed a road rage incident escalate when a car was pulled over by the police. The suspect emerged from the vehicle and opened fire on the officer. Corino slammed on his brakes to stop traffic behind him, potentially saving lives. He also captured the incident on his truck camera, which later became evidence in the investigation. Corino’s bravery and quick thinking helped save lives and made him an invaluable witness in the investigation.
- On September 26, 2024, in Erwin, Tennessee, Michael Dorsey was loading his flatbed truck when he learned that Hurricane Helene's floodwaters were rapidly rising. With a nearby river swelling, Dorsey allowed 10 people to take refuge on his trailer. Dorsey and his passengers were forced to cling to the trailer, which was eventually separated by the current. Despite being knocked unconscious, Dorsey’s determination to survive led him to save six lives.
- On November 29, 2024, in western Canada, Daljit Sohi noticed a woman drop her purse at a rest stop while tending to her child. The purse contained $1,100 in cash, a gold chain, and other personal items. Sohi retrieved the purse and followed the woman and her family for three hours to return it. When he finally caught up with them and returned the purse, the woman offered him a reward, which he declined.
Each driver will receive an EpicVue satellite TV package, which includes a 24-in. flatscreen TV, a DVR, and a one-year subscription to more than 100 channels of DirecTV programming.
Hyundai and Nicklaus Children's Hospital strengthen child passenger safety in South Florida
Hyundai Motor America recently donated $25,000 to Nicklaus Children's Hospital to support its Car Seat Safety Program. This ongoing collaboration is part of the corporate social responsibility initiative, Hyundai Hope, which seeks to improve community well-being through health and safety. With this donation, Nicklaus Children's Hospital will expand access to child passenger safety education and provide more free on-site car seat safety checks and installations.
"Keeping children safe on the road requires more than just advanced vehicle technology. It takes awareness, education, and community action," Cole Stutz, chief safety officer for Hyundai Motor North America, said. "Together with Nicklaus Children's Hospital, Hyundai is grateful to continue empowering families with the tools they need to safeguard our youngest passengers."
Research from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shows that correctly using car seats is the most effective way to reduce injuries and save lives in crashes. However, many parents face challenges accessing appropriate car seats and may unknowingly rely on expired or recalled ones. Car seat safety programs, like the one at Nicklaus Children's Hospital, raise awareness and equip parents with the necessary education and resources. As safety standards evolve, these programs help families stay informed and confident in protecting their children on the road.
"As the child safety and injury prevention authority in South Florida, Nicklaus Children's Hospital's priority is the safety of all children in our region and beyond," Malvina Duncan, community outreach injury prevention coordinator for Nicklaus Children's Hospital and SAFE KIDS Miami-Dade County coordinator, said. "Thanks to Hyundai and their continuous commitment to our Car Seat Safety Program, we are able to provide more families with the education and tools that meet their child's needs and ensure their children are safe on the road."
U-Haul offers 30 days free storage in Oklahoma after wildfires and windstorms
Three U-Haul companies in Oklahoma have made 16 centers available to provide 30 days of free self-storage and U-Box container usage to residents affected by the wildfires and windstorms that recently wreaked havoc across the Sooner State.
According to the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management, extreme winds sparked an outbreak of more than 130 fires across 44 counties, leading to the evacuations of several communities. Some residents sustained home loss or damage, downed trees on property, and power outages.
“These fires have devastated communities and affected a lot of lives,” Kris Kleck, president of the U-Haul Company of Northwest Oklahoma City, said. “Our teams want to help. We’ll be there for anyone who needs a secure space to store their belongings during the recovery at no cost for one month.”
Chevron responds to Los Angeles County wildfires
When wildfires broke out in Los Angeles County in January 2025, firefighters from across the state and beyond answered the call to protect people, homes, and businesses. Among them were brave firefighters from the Chevron Fire Department (CFD) based in El Segundo and Richmond, California.
The CFD sprang into action when the Palisades Fire threatened Chevron’s Van Nuys terminal. Firefighters based in El Segundo and Richmond worked together to bring personnel and equipment to the site, including engines and foam tenders (used to suppress fires that are resistant to water).
“The team stayed there on site for four days, 24/7, and provided fire protection,” El Segundo Fire Chief Leroy Diekmann said. “Thankfully, the fire didn’t reach the terminal.”
The department worked with the Los Angeles Fire Department, providing logistical support, meals, and hydration to firefighters on the front lines. Personnel from Dion and Sons, a Chevron-owned oil and gas distributor, also provided support and supplies to the front lines.
In addition, Chevron facilities—including those in San Ramon, California, and Salt Lake City, Utah, as well as Chevron’s headquarters in Houston, Texas—coordinated efforts to help people affected by the fires. For example, Chevron sent thousands of N95 masks to El Segundo for distribution in the community, helping protect residents from smoke and air pollution that lingered even after the fires were contained.
In the wake of the fires, Chevron announced a $1 million contribution to support relief efforts in California.
The funds will be distributed to three organizations:
- The California Fire Foundation will receive $500,000 to support first responders and provide financial aid to affected residents.
- The American National Red Cross will receive $250,000 to provide food, shelter, clothing, emotional support, and financial assistance.
- The Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce will receive $250,000 to support business recovery efforts, foster community engagement, and advocate for disaster relief and rebuilding programs.
In addition, Chevron will match qualifying donations made by company employees and retirees to wildfire relief efforts and provide financial contributions to organizations where its employees volunteer.
“Chevron’s legacy in California dates back more than 145 years,” Mike Wirth, Chevron’s chairman and CEO, said. “We are heartbroken by the devastation in Los Angeles, inspired by the bravery of first responders, and stand committed to assisting with relief and recovery efforts throughout greater Los Angeles County.”
Five drivers recognized as 2025 TCA Drivers of the Year
During the annual closing banquet at the Truckload Carriers Association's annual convention in Phoenix, TCA announced and celebrated the five winners of the 2025 TCA Professional Drivers of the Year. Chosen from a competitive group of nominees, these drivers were recognized for their contributions to the trucking industry, their commitment to safety, and their leadership on and off the road. Each driver received $20,000 and was greeted with a standing ovation during the awards ceremony.
The 2025 TCA Professional Drivers of the Year are:
- Perry Carter, Cargo Transporters
- Scott Lindsey, Cheema Freightlines
- Toby Wallis, Freymiller
- Walter Jackson, Landstar
- Gerald Rhoden, Stevens Transport
These drivers have made impacts within the trucking industry and their communities. Their stories of resilience, dedication to safety, and service to their local areas inspire others in the profession. You can learn more about their journeys learn more about their journeys here.
“Receiving this prestigious recognition is a reflection of the dedication, professionalism, and hard work these drivers show every day,” Jon Archard, VP of sales at Love’s Travel Stops, said. “These drivers embody the core values that we at Love’s hold dear, and we’re proud to support them as they continue to motivate and inspire others in the trucking community.”
Nominations for the 2026 TCA Professional Drivers of the Year will open this fall.
