TORONTO, Ont. — Daryl Samotowka, a cargo handler with Federal Express Canada Ltd., was presented with an Award of Recognition this morning at the 36th annual National Transportation Week (Ontario) Awards Breakfast in Toronto.

The award of recognition is presented annually to individuals in the transportation industry for their exemplary conduct.

On Sunday, June 20, 2004 an accident involving two passenger vehicles occurred directly in front of Samotowka’s home. One vehicle driven by a mother with her seven-year-old son, was struck while making a left turn onto the township road adjacent to Samotowka’s property. The second vehicle had seven passengers, three of which were also children.

Daryl heard the impact while in his house. He went outside to see what had happened. He saw was that people were being pulled from the overturned vehicle. Daryl quickly retrieved the first aid kits from his truck and began to administer first aid to those who were injured.

Once the ambulances arrived, Daryl switched to traffic control. Daryl then noticed one of the cars was leaking gasoline, he ran to his shed, grabbed chemical spill pads and a fire extinguisher. Later that night, one of the kids who was hurt came by with his parents (who were not in the accident) to thank Daryl. His head was wrapped in a bandage, and his glasses wouldn’t stay on because they were so twisted. Daryl took his glasses and reshaped them so the child could see with them.

In recognition of outstanding actions, the NTW Ontario Committee presented Daryl Samotowka with an award of recognition.