Memorial honors fallen tow operators in MT

THREE FORKS — When you hear the phrases “Slow Down and Move Over,” what does that make you consider? Maybe first responders reminiscent of ambulances, police vehicles, or fireplace vans. But what about tow vans? Some of the primary to the scene, placing themselves in equal quantities of hazard, but do not appear to get as a lot recognition.

“Typically, cars can be driving as fast as 80–90 miles an hour within this far of you. That’s terrifying,” says one long-time tow truck driver.

Terry Morrison isn’t any stranger to automotive work. He began a family-run fuel station and auto restore store 47 years in the past, which led to a enterprise chances are you’ll be aware of as we speak: Mr. T’s Towing in Bozeman. Terry tells me it’s a job he’s proud to be doing.

“Towing is not a job; it’s a lifestyle. There is no 9–5. Most of these guys are on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. They leave their families on the holidays to go help people on the highway,” says Terry.

Terry’s ardour for his line of labor had me pondering. I requested, “What’s something you don’t think people realize about your job?”

Here in Montana, we’re conscious of not less than 5 tow truck operator deaths. But Terry knowledgeable me it wasn’t till 2019 that towing and restoration operators have been counted as ‘responders killed in the line of duty.’ Up till 2019, they have been solely counted as pedestrian accidents.

“So, the actual number of towers that were killed in the line of duty prior to 2019 has never been counted,” Terry mentioned.

An incident that sparked one thing of a tower security motion occurred on October 25, 2020. Tow truck drivers Casey Allen and Nick Visser have been working to get better a car close to Columbus in winter circumstances. The two operators have been tragically killed when one other motorist misplaced management of their car, hanging each males.

To honor and keep in mind them and the opposite fallen operators, a memorial was erected.

WATCH: First in-nation memorial honoring fallen tow truck drivers

Montana unveils first-in-nation memorial honoring fallen tow truck drivers killed in line of obligation

“It’s a start for us to be included and be recognized as one of the disciplines out on the roadway,” Terry shared.

Tuesday afternoon, regulation enforcement, EMTs, tow truck drivers, and extra gathered from throughout the state for the grand opening of the Montana Wall of the Fallen Tow Operators Memorial, positioned on the Headwaters relaxation space close to Three Forks.

Terry knowledgeable me this memorial? “It’s the first state memorial in the nation that we know of.”

Members of the Montana Tow Truck Association held the occasion. Emotional speeches have been made, and Governor Greg Gianforte spoke concerning the significance of this memorial.

Pictured: Governor Greg Gianforte attends Montana Tow Truck Association memorial (credit score: MTN News)

MTN News

“This is dangerous work. These are the people that rush to us on the highways when we’re in trouble,” shared Gianforte.

The ribbon was reduce, and the general public was free to admire this memorial, which additionally has an academic side. As you stroll round, you may learn concerning the significance of tow truck operators and the significance of following the Slow Down and Move Over regulation.

“We urge the general public to do their part and slow down and move over when they see flashing lights. And that includes tow trucks,” Terry shared.