Truck Driver Who Helped Shot NYS Trooper Gets Award from Goodyear [WATCH]

Commercial truck drivers play a critical role in maintaining the country’s supply chain, but some go above and beyond their duties, acting as first responders in emergencies.

These individuals demonstrate exceptional courage, often putting themselves in harm’s way to protect others.

One such hero is Timothy VanNostrand, 64, the owner and operator of a logging transport company in Northville, New York. In June 2023, while driving along Interstate 88, VanNostrand encountered a life-threatening situation that required split-second decision-making.

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“It happened so fast,” VanNostrand told Fox News Digital.

VanNostrand witnessed a New York State trooper involved in a traffic stop that escalated into a shootout.

“I wasn’t 100% sure what I saw at first, but I saw the trooper kind of skip sideways a little bit,” VanNostrand recalled. “And then I saw the shooter actually pull the gun in his car and start shooting right out through his own back window at the state trooper. A really intense shootout started, and bullets were flying.”

Using his logging truck, VanNostrand strategically blocked the suspect from escaping during the 12-minute ordeal.

“It’s a long time when you’re standing there listening to it,” VanNostrand said. “You’re second-guessing yourself, but it turned out it was the right decision.”

Backup officers arrived on the scene, and the wounded trooper was taken to the hospital, where they survived the incident.

VanNostrand’s quick thinking and bravery earned him recognition from the New York State Police and The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, which honored him as a “Highway Hero.”

Highway Hero: Truck Driver Who Helped Shot NY State Trooper Gets Award from Goodyear

Commercial truck drivers play a critical role in maintaining the country’s supply chain, but some go above and beyond their duties, acting as first responders in emergencies.

These individuals… pic.twitter.com/u6xUOkxD0J

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Goodyear, now in its 41st year of recognizing heroic commercial drivers, recently announced that it is accepting nominations for its annual Highway Hero Award.

This program highlights the extraordinary actions of truck drivers who demonstrate exceptional bravery and selflessness on the job.

“The Goodyear Highway Hero Award is one way Goodyear recognizes the importance of the commercial trucking industry, which helps move 72.5% of the U.S. economy’s goods, according to American Trucking Associations,” said Joe Burke, vice president of Goodyear North America Commercial Business.

“Behind the wheels of those trucks are 3.3 million professional truck drivers who are not only a vital part of the supply chain industry, but they also act beyond their job duties to safeguard others on the roads,” Burke added.

Nominations for the award are open to drivers with a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL) operating in the U.S. or Canada. Eligible nominees must have performed a heroic act while operating a commercial vehicle with a rim size greater than 19 inches.

In addition to VanNostrand, Elijah Ramos, a driver from Victorville, California, was also recognized as a Highway Hero last year.

Ramos acted decisively when an SUV lost control, crossed multiple lanes of traffic, and crashed into a field during his morning route in a remote desert area.

Ramos stopped to assist, called his dispatcher, and stayed with an injured woman until help arrived.

“Since it was such a remote area, it could have been a long time until help arrived,” Ramos said in a statement. “I was glad to be there when it happened and to call for help quickly.”

Goodyear also named two runners-up for their heroic efforts: Joshua Day, an ABF Freight driver from Potsdam, Ohio, and Russel Peasley, a Brakebush Transportation driver from Necedah, Wisconsin.

A panel of judges selects one Highway Hero each year, with the winner receiving cash prizes and a ride on the Goodyear blimp. Up to two runners-up also receive cash prizes.

For VanNostrand, his actions reflect the camaraderie and commitment of the trucking community.

“Most of the people I know and work with would do the same thing,” he said. “We all look out for each other, and 99% of us are looking out for everybody else too.”

Goodyear’s annual program continues to shine a spotlight on these unsung heroes, celebrating their contributions to road safety and the broader community.

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