Harrisburg, PA — State Representative Keith Greiner formally presented the Pennsylvania Citation Award to Lamar Buckwalter, an OTR truck driver, for his decisive actions during a hazardous materials incident on April 3. Buckwalter’s intervention in the rollover of a tanker truck near Kersey, Colorado, is now being recognized by his home state as a critical example of professional responsibility beyond the scope of standard commercial driving duties.

The incident occurred in the early hours of the morning when Buckwalter was navigating northern Colorado under windy conditions. He observed a tanker truck ahead of him depart the roadway, triggering a violent rollover marked by visible sparks and a plume of dust. Upon stopping his own rig, Buckwalter assessed the situation and moved toward the scene, disregarding the immediate dangers posed by the compromised vehicle. The tanker driver, who was transporting hazardous materials, initially reported being trapped in the cab. The situation deteriorated rapidly when the injured driver lost consciousness, but Buckwalter managed to assist him in escaping the wreckage before professional emergency services arrived on the scene.

Buckwalter’s background as a volunteer firefighter and emergency medical technician in Pennsylvania proved essential to the successful outcome. After securing the other driver’s safety, he remained at the crash site to provide support, allowing the injured man to contact his employer and family on his personal device. Law enforcement officers at the scene later commended Buckwalter for his calm demeanor and technical proficiency in handling a potential hazmat exposure risk. In a social media statement, Buckwalter acknowledged the honor, noting that the skills he developed in the fire service were instrumental in saving a life that might otherwise have been lost in the chaos of the collision.

What This Means for Drivers

For the average CDL-A driver, this incident highlights the operational realities of long-haul transport, where the nearest professional aid may be miles away. Buckwalter’s actions demonstrate that maintaining first-aid and emergency response skills can be the difference between a minor injury and a fatality in remote areas. Owner-operators and those seeking truck driver jobs should consider cross-training in EMS or fire safety, as these competencies are increasingly valued by safety-focused fleets. While FMCSA regulations mandate specific training for hazmat transport, they do not require all drivers to carry emergency extraction tools, making individual preparedness a critical factor in crash survival rates.

Industry Reaction

The trucking industry has long struggled with the perception that drivers are faceless operators, but cases like this one reinforce the human element of the profession. State lawmakers are increasingly recognizing that the integrity of the supply chain relies on the moral courage of individual drivers, not just their mechanical skill. This citation serves as a public endorsement of the idea that professional competence extends to the welfare of fellow travelers. As trucking companies hiring new talent, carriers are beginning to view emergency response capabilities as a key differentiator in a competitive labor market, rewarding drivers who demonstrate high levels of situational awareness and altruism.

Key Points

• Lamar Buckwalter received the Pennsylvania Citation Award for rescuing a tanker driver in Colorado on April 3.
• The rescue involved an overturned hazmat vehicle on Route 34 near Kersey under high-wind conditions.
• Buckwalter’s prior experience as a volunteer firefighter and EMT allowed him to stabilize the unconscious driver.
• State Rep. Keith Greiner cited the incident as evidence that truck drivers’ good deeds are frequently overlooked by the public.

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