Altoona, PA — Virgil Hunter, a professional truck driver for Ward Transport, has been officially recognized as a Highway Angel by the Truckload Carriers Association for his life-saving intervention during a medical emergency on May 9, 2023. Hunter’s swift reaction provided the critical link between a stricken colleague and emergency services when every second mattered.
The incident began when Dan Brennan, another driver for the same carrier, started experiencing severe physical distress while operating his commercial vehicle. Brennan initially dismissed sharp arm pain as a minor muscle strain, a common oversight among OTR truck driver professionals who are accustomed to the physical demands of the job. As the symptoms escalated to include chest pain and numbness, Brennan managed to steer his rig into a grocery store parking lot. Finding himself in a dead zone with no cell phone reception, he was effectively stranded until Hunter happened to pass by.
Hunter spotted Brennan signaling from the cab and immediately pulled his own tractor-trailer over to assist. Upon realizing the severity of the situation, Hunter acted as the primary communicator, dialing 911 and remaining with his colleague until paramedics arrived. Beyond the emergency call, Hunter took the initiative to contact the terminal and update Brennan’s family, ensuring they were kept informed while medical personnel stabilized the patient. This level of situational awareness reflects the high standard often expected of those seeking CDL-A driver positions at reputable carriers.
What This Means for Drivers
Heart health remains a significant concern for the trucking industry, and the ability to recognize symptoms of a cardiac event can prevent a roadside incident from becoming a fatality. Drivers should prioritize regular checkups to stay compliant with medical certification standards while keeping a dedicated emergency communication plan in place. When operating in rural areas, knowing exactly how to transmit your location to emergency dispatchers is a vital skill that every operator should practice. Professionalism on the road extends beyond logbooks and load securement to looking out for the well-being of fellow drivers.
Industry Reaction
The Truckload Carriers Association continues to highlight these stories to emphasize that the trucking community functions as a network of first responders on the nation’s highways. While many trucking companies are hiring today, the industry places a premium on drivers who demonstrate the character and composure shown by Hunter. His humility regarding the event serves as a reminder that the best safety equipment on the road is often the driver in the next lane.
Key Points
- Virgil Hunter was formally named a Highway Angel for his rescue of Dan Brennan.
- The incident occurred on May 9, 2023, after Brennan experienced symptoms of a heart attack.
- Lack of cell reception in the parking lot made Hunter’s presence the only way to contact 911.
- Hunter managed communication with the carrier’s terminal and the victim’s family throughout the crisis.
Looking for a better trucking job? US Trucker's free job-matching service connects CDL-A drivers, OTR drivers, regional drivers, and owner-operators with 500+ top US carriers. Leave your details in the form on this page and a recruiter will call you within one business day. Trucking companies are hiring now.
Photo by Swapnil Sharma on Pexels