The Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) has honored several professional truck drivers as TCA Highway Angels for their courageous acts while on the road. The honorees include John Patterson, Dee Leatherwood, Kevin Wojtasiak, Amy Cataldo, Alexander Smith, Kevin Olsen, Jeanine Reinhard, and Terry Walde.
Here are their remarkable stories.
John Patterson – Melton Truck Lines, Tulsa, Oklahoma
TCA recognized John Patterson, 24, as a Highway Angel for his life-saving actions following a crash. On June 9, 2025, while en route to a pickup in Tulsa, he witnessed a collision between two vehicles. One car had skidded into a ditch, with the driver unconscious inside.
Patterson quickly intervened, forcing open the door and pulling the driver to safety amid smoke. He then helped a second vehicle’s occupants by breaking their window and extracting them. He provided first aid and called emergency services, ensuring a full incident report was given to police. “If it was you, you’d want someone to help,” he remarked.
Dee Leatherwood – Melton Truck Lines, Tulsa, Oklahoma
On July 10, 2025, Dee Leatherwood observed a Ford pickup truck emitting smoke and sparks while driving near Atlanta. Noticing a child’s car seat inside the truck heightened his concern, prompting him to stop and intervene. After parking safely, he deployed his fire extinguisher and worked to contain the fire until emergency personnel arrived. Fortunately, the driver was unharmed. “I would hope anyone would do that in that situation,” he said.
Kevin Wojtasiak – Bay & Bay Transportation, Eagan, Minnesota
While driving on June 29, 2025, Kevin Wojtasiak saw a vehicle engulfed in flames on Interstate 35. Without hesitation, he pulled over to assist, ensuring the driver and his passengers were safe before remaining on-site to offer water and reassurance until responders arrived. Despite the fire, everyone escaped injury. Wojtasiak has driven over two million miles without incident, exemplifying the professionalism found in the trucking community.
Amy Cataldo – Boyle Transportation, Billerica, Massachusetts
Amy Cataldo earned her Highway Angel recognition for her quick response after witnessing a truck accident on September 24, 2025. She safely stopped her vehicle, alerted authorities, and rushed to help the confused and injured driver, providing comfort and care until emergency services arrived. “What I did was what I would hope any other driver would do,” she noted.
Kevin Olsen – Truline Corp., Las Vegas, Nevada
Kevin Olsen was acknowledged as a Highway Angel for his actions following a motorcycle accident on June 4, 2025. Upon witnessing the rider’s crash, he provided immediate assistance while waiting for emergency help. Acknowledging the rider’s injuries, Olsen made sure he received proper care, emphasizing the need to support fellow motorcyclists. “I felt like it was my responsibility to make sure he was taken care of,” he shared.
Jeanine Reinhard – Halvor Lines Inc., Superior, Wisconsin
On June 17, 2025, Jeanine Reinhard encountered an unresponsive truck driver blocking traffic at a weigh station. Despite difficulties contacting emergency services, she stayed with the driver until help arrived, demonstrating her commitment to assist others in need. “We help each other,” she stated, reflecting her belief in the importance of mutual support.
Terry Walde – Searcy Trucking Ltd., Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
Terry Walde earned his Highway Angel status for assisting a cyclist struck in a hit-and-run incident on May 27, 2025. Upon discovering the injured cyclist on the highway, he called for help and directed traffic to ensure safety at the accident scene. Walde’s instinct to help, rooted in his long-standing values, highlights the unity and responsibility found among truck drivers.
The TCA Highway Angels program, which has celebrated the selflessness of truck drivers since 1997, also provides certificates, lapel pins, patches, and decals to the honorees. Support for the program comes from various sponsors, recognizing nearly 1,400 truck drivers for their exemplary kindness and courage.
