MISSISSAUGA, Ont. — The Canadian Truck Hero Award is about to recognize a gripping tale of brave and daring deeds by Canadian truckers for the 50th year.

The search for the 50th anniversary Canadian Truck Hero has been underway since last fall, and nominations are being accepted until the end of September, with this year’s winner announced in November at the annual meeting of the Ontario Trucking Association.

“Since we’re at about the mid-point of this year’s award period, we’d like to issue a reminder to people who may have witnessed an act of heroism by a truck driver in the last six months, or who might be witness to one in the next six months,” said David Scheklesky, general manager Commercial Truck Tires for BFCA. “As we have come to realize in the 50 years of this award, truck drivers across Canada are going beyond the call of duty as they travel the highways of this land.”

The Canadian Truck Hero winner is awarded a significant cash prize by Bridgestone Firestone Canada, along with an all-expenses paid trip for two to Toronto for the award presentation in November. The owner of the trucking company also benefits from a free trip for two to accompany his award-winning driver.

In conjunction with the 50th anniversary of the event, Bridgestone Firestone has designed a bright new Canadian Truck Hero Award logo. Reflecting its contemporary design, the aureole that symbolizes the bravery and selflessness of these road Samaritans has been more deeply highlighted around the truck and the maple leaf emblem has been placed prominently on the front grille of the cab.

“We wanted to give the logo a fresh new look in this milestone year,” said Scheklesky. “Reaching the half-century mark is quite an achievement in any endeavour, and as we look back on the history of the Canadian Truck Hero Award, it is indeed noteworthy that so many rescues have been made and lives saved thanks to the poise and professionalism of truck drivers in the face of adversity.”