TORONTO, Ont. — As he traveled southbound on Highway 400 near Barrie last February, Tim Ferguson was confronted with a life or death emergency. His courageous response led to the trucker being named the 2007 recipient of the Bridgestone Firestone Canadian Truck Hero Award.

Ferguson, who drives for the Guelph-based Mackinnon Transport, saved one, if not more than one, life with his bravery, quick-thinking and compassion, the very criteria on which the Truck Hero Award, now in its 51st year, is based.

In recognition of his achievement, Bridgestone Firestone Canada (BFCA) presented Ferguson with a $3,000 cheque and a commemorative trophy in a ceremony today at the Ontario Trucking Associations annual convention. Bridgestone Firestone will also donate $3,000 to a charity of Fergusons choice.

Nearing an overpass, Ferguson reacted swiftly as a pedestrian, in an attempted suicide (according to police reports), suddenly ran out into the lane in which he was travelling. Ferguson braked and brought his truck to a stop on the shoulder of the highway, in front of the pedestrian. He then led the distraught individual to the safety of his truck, but the person promptly jumped out and headed back toward the highway.

As the pedestrian tried to jump in front of oncoming traffic, Ferguson bravely gave chase across the lanes, tried to motion for cars to stop, and finally caught and calmed down the individual before getting the person back to the truck. According to the police report, Fergusons actions and driving skills prevented this incident from becoming a fatal motor vehicle accident.

A hero, by definition, is a person who commits a remarkable act of bravery, displays courage or strength of character, said David Scheklesky, general manager, commercial truck tires, for BFCA. Tim Ferguson certainly fits this description. His professionalism, compassion, and complete unselfishness at a time of crisis were truly extraordinary. He is a most worthy recipient of our Truck Hero Award.

The Bridgestone Firestone Canadian Truck Hero Award winner is selected from the various nominees submitted by Canadian trucking companies. All submissions are required to include a police statement corroborating the nominated drivers actions.

For more information about the Bridgestone Firestone Canada Truck Hero Award and its past winners, visit: www.truckhero.ca.