Cambridge Truck Driver Named 2010 Bridgestone Canadian Truck Hero

MISSISSAUGA, Ontario (November 19, 2010) – Jamie MacFarlane of Cambridge, Ontario was named the 2010 Bridgestone Canadian Truck Hero Award recipient today at the Ontario Trucking Association’s National Convention. Jamie demonstrated quick thinking, integrity and heroic actions when he risked his life trying to save another driver last June.

Bridgestone Canada Inc (BSCA) awards the Bridgestone Canadian Truck Hero Award annually to recognize professional truck drivers who have demonstrated courage, quick thinking and integrity in the face of an emergency.

Jamie was recognized for his heroic actions during a train and truck accident that took place on June 17th, 2010 just outside Baden, Ontario. As Jamie was travelling behind a dump truck, approaching a set of train tracks, the truck was struck by a passenger train.

After the impact, Jamie quickly located his fire extinguisher and ran for the wreckage, concerned that the truck might go up in flames. Jamie broke part of the windshield to attempt to assist the badly injured driver, while using his cell phone to call for help.

Noticing the driver was still breathing, Jamie began to immediately administer first aid and applied pressure to driver’s wounds until emergency vehicles were able to arrive. Within minutes the emergency response teams were on the scene and eventually the driver was airlifted to hospital.

“Jamie embodies exactly what a truck hero is,” said Paul Dalcourt, National Fleet Account Executive, U.S. & Canada Commercial Tire Sales division, Bridgestone Bandag Tire Solutions, a division of BSCA. “Canadian truck drivers encounter dangerous situations on the road every day. These men and women deserve to be honoured for their bravery and selfless actions.”

As recipient of the award, Jamie, who drives for Top of the Hill Aggregates Inc. in Baden, received a $3,000 cheque and a specially-commissioned crystal trophy. BSCA will also make a $3,000 donation to a charity of Jamie’s choice.

The recipient of the Bridgestone Canadian Truck Hero Award is selected by a panel of judges from among nominations submitted by the general public and Canadian trucking companies, which are required to include a police statement corroborating the nominated driver’s actions.

For photos of the winner or to learn more about the Bridgestone Canadian Truck Hero Award, visit: www.truckhero.ca.


About Bridgestone Canada Inc.:
Bridgestone Canada Inc. (BSCA) is a member of Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations (BATO) and a direct subsidiary of Bridgestone Americas, Inc. (BSAM), whose parent company, Bridgestone Corporation, is the world's largest tire and rubber company. BSCA and BATO develop, manufacture and market Bridgestone, Firestone and associate brand tires. They are focused on retail, wholesale and original equipment markets, supplying passenger, light truck, commercial vehicle, off road, agricultural and other tires to their customers in Canada and the United States, respectively. In addition, through the Bridgestone Bandag Tire Solutions Canada unit, retreading customers have access to industry-leading research and development, manufacturing, marketing and sales expertise, providing them with a total tire solution.

About the Bridgestone Canadian Truck Hero Award:
The award originated in 1956 as the Dayton Canadian Truck Hero Award better known today as the Bridgestone Canadian Truck Hero Award. The recipient, who must be a full-time truck driver of Canadian citizenship who operates a truck with 14 wheels or more, is selected from among nominations submitted by Canadian companies or members of the public who witnessed or were involved in an incident. All nominations are required to include a police statement corroborating the nominated driver’s actions. The award is given to a truck driver who demonstrates courage, quick thinking and integrity in the face of an emergency.