Washington, D.C. — The Truckload Carriers Association has officially designated Terry Walde, Deshown Moye, and Heather Barkey as the 2025 Highway Angels of the Year, honoring their life-saving interventions during critical roadside emergencies. These three professional drivers were selected for their decisive actions during moments where hesitation could have resulted in fatal consequences, demonstrating a level of civic responsibility that extends well beyond standard operational duties.

The Highway Angels program serves as a vital recognition for the trucking industry, highlighting instances where commercial vehicle operators step in before first responders can arrive. In the fast-paced environment of over-the-road freight transport, drivers often become the first line of defense in multi-vehicle collisions or isolated accidents. By acknowledging these specific acts of heroism, the association reinforces the professional identity of the CDL-A driver as a guardian of public safety, not just a freight hauler. This annual recognition underscores that the skills required to manage a 18-wheeler often translate directly into emergency response capabilities when lives are at stake.

Each of the three honorees faced a unique and harrowing scenario that tested their composure and technical knowledge. Terry Walde, a veteran with over 40 years of experience driving for Searcy Trucking Ltd., discovered a cyclist hit by a semi-truck in a hit-and-run incident on Highway 1 in Saskatchewan. After stabilizing the victim and providing critical injury details to emergency services, Walde directed traffic to prevent secondary collisions and remained on the site for hours. His dashcam footage later proved instrumental in identifying the fleeing driver, ensuring that accountability followed the rescue.

What This Means for Drivers

For the broader community of OTR truck drivers and owner-operators, these acts of service illustrate the practical value of emergency preparedness training. Fleet managers at major trucking companies are increasingly incorporating roadside safety protocols into their onboarding processes, recognizing that a driver's ability to assess hazards and stabilize a scene protects both the public and the company's liability. The Highway Angels award also serves as a powerful recruitment tool, as many prospective CDL-A holders are drawn to carriers that support and recognize this type of community engagement. By highlighting these stories, the industry positions itself as a profession of honor, which can influence how state and federal agencies view the role of commercial vehicles in emergency response networks.

Industry Reaction

The trucking sector has responded to these nominations with a renewed emphasis on the human element of the job. While FMCSA regulations dictate strict hours-of-service and safety standards, they do not mandate the voluntary acts of heroism that define the Highway Angels. Advocates within the industry argue that such recognition helps bridge the gap between public perception and the reality of the profession. For many drivers, the decision to stop and help is an instinctual extension of the vigilance required to navigate highways safely. By celebrating these individuals, the association sends a clear message that the culture of the road is defined by mutual support and responsibility, qualities that are essential for any professional in the freight transport sector.

Key Points

• Terry Walde of Searcy Trucking Ltd. provided critical aid to a cyclist in Saskatchewan and helped identify the driver responsible for a hit-and-run.
• Deshown Moye of Melton Truck Lines spent 45 minutes stabilizing an injured woman trapped under a tractor-trailer on Interstate 65 in Alabama.
• Heather Barkey of Nussbaum Transportation used her cab flashlight to break a window and rescue a trapped driver from an overturned, fuel-leaking truck in Illinois.
• The Truckload Carriers Association uses the Highway Angels program to highlight the proactive safety measures taken by professional drivers in emergency situations.

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