Driver James Macfarlane Named 2010 Bridgestone Canadian Truck Hero

Nov 27, 2010 - 15 years ago

Jamie MacFarlane of Cambridge, Ontario was named the 2010 Bridgestone Canadian Truck Hero for his heroic actions during a train and truck accident on June 17, 2010, just outside Baden, Ontario.

As Jamie was travelling behind a dump truck, approaching a set of train tracks, a passenger train struck the truck ahead. After impact, Jamie quickly located his fire extinguisher and ran for the wreckage, concerned that the truck might go up in flames. Jamie broke part of the windshield to assist the badly injured driver, while using his cell phone to call for help.

Jamie immediately began to administer first aid to the driver and applied pressure to his wounds until emergency vehicles arrived. Within minutes, emergency response teams were on the scene and eventually the driver was airlifted to hospital. As recipient of the award, Jamie, who drives for Top of the Hill Aggregates Inc., in Baden, received a $3,000 cheque and a specially commissioned crystal trophy.

As part of the award, BSCA also donates $3000 to a charity of the winner’s choice. Today’s Trucking reports that Jamie requested the donation go to the family of dump truck driver Rob Douglas, who did not survive the collision.