Posts by Editorial Staff
Canadian Tow Operator Killed While Winching Vehicle on the Roadside
A tow operator from Oshawa, Ontario, Canada, was struck and killed by a vehicle at approximately 8 a.m., Thursday morning, Nov. 7, as he winched a vehicle from a ditch on Highway 12. The 56-year-old victim, who was pronounced dead at the scene, was hit by a vehicle skidding out of control. News reports say…
Read MoreMaryland Tow Operator Killed in Roadside Hit and Run
A 63-year-old tow truck operator was killed Wednesday night, November 6, in a hit and run crash in Temple Hills, Md. Reports say the operator was loading a disabled car on the road shoulder near southbound Branch Avenue and Coventry way and was struck as he walked to his tow truck. He was pronounced dead…
Read MoreJerr-Dan Promotes Heath Fassnacht to Director of Sales
Jerr-Dan Corporation, an Oshkosh Corporation company (NYSE:OSK) and single brand leader in the towing and recovery business, has promoted Heath Fassnacht to Director of Sales. He had been District Sales Manager for the southern region. Fassnacht started his career in 1996 with Atlanta Wrecker and Carrier Sales, now known as Atlanta Wrecker Sales. Following a…
Read MoreITRHFM Adds 28 Names to the Wall of the Fallen
The International Towing & Recovery Hall of Fame and Museum (ITRHFM) added 28 new names to the Wall of the Fallen during its recent annual ceremony honoring towing and road service operators who have died in the line of service. The names include those from previous years as the details of fatalities become known. In all,…
Read MoreGoing to the Dentist
Going to the dentist is one of my least favorite things. I tell my dentist that I don’t have anything against her personally, it’s just not a great experience. That big needle to numb you, then the drilling, the little suction tube making the gurgling noise, and then the shock of how much it costs…
Read MoreBenefit Planned for Injured Wisconsin Tow Operator
A benefit for Wisconsin tow operator Joe Altenhofen, 56, is planned for Friday, Nov. 1. Altenhofen’s truck was hit by an out-of-control tractor-trailer on August 26 as he was loading a vehicle onto his tow truck on I-41/94. The horrific crash was videotaped and circulated widely by numerous news outlets. Altenhofen recovering from the crash, with…
Read MorePerson of Interest Identified in Fatal Shooting of Houston Tow Operator
Houston police have identified a person of interest in the murder of tow operator Augustin Martinez, 48, who was shot following a verbal altercation on Wednesday, Oct. 23. Martinez was able to take a photo of the two suspected assailants prior to the shooting. The suspects, riding in a red 2004 Ford Explorer with Texas license…
Read MoreInternational Truck Introduces High Visibility HV Series
In October, International Truck introduced a new configuration for its all-wheel drive International® HV® Series featuring a high visibility hood and set-back axle that allows for improved visibility and maneuverability. “We received customer feedback requesting improved visibility and maneuverability with vocational fleets,” said Mark Stasell, vice president, Vocational Truck Business, Navistar. “So we immediately started working on plans…
Read MoreTalbert Hires Dealer Development Manager
Talbert Manufacturing welcomes David Henderson as dealer development manager. With the expansion of their Liberty, N. C., facility earlier this year, Talbert Manufacturing created the position to support their dealer network. Henderson works with dealers and Talbert’s regional sales managers to develop and grow the company’s recognition across the United States and Canada. “Talbert Manufacturing…
Read MoreTRAA Joins Coalition to Halt Four Bills with “Burdensome” Unfunded Mandates
A coalition of 31 trucking and trade groups is urging Congress to halt four bills it claims would cost the industry billions of dollars in “burdensome” unfunded mandates. The coalition sent a letter on Sept. 16 to Sen. Roger Wicker (R-Mississippi), chairman, and Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-Washington), ranking member of the Committee on Commerce, Science…
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