MISSISSAUGA, Ont. — Because of the countless hours that truck drivers spend on the road, they are often the first to arrive on the scene when something goes tragically wrong with a fellow motorist. For over 50 years, the Bridgestone Firestone Canadian Truck Hero Award has acknowledged the brave and selfless acts of heroism that are consistently performed by Canadian truck drivers in the course of their duties.

The search for the next Canadian Truck Hero has been underway since last fall, and nominations are being accepted until the Sept. 30. The winner will be announced in November at the annual meeting of the Ontario Trucking Association.

Were nearing the end of this years award period and would like to issue a reminder to people who may have witnessed a recent act of heroism by a truck driver to consider nominating him or her for this prestigious award, said David Scheklesky, general manager, commercial truck tires for Bridgestone Firestone. As we have come to realize in the many years of this award, truck drivers across Canada are going beyond the call of duty as they travel the highways of this land. They are often the unsung heroes, and this award is an acknowledgment of not only their bravery but also of their commitment to safety and security.

To be eligible, the nominated incidents must have occurred within the period between Jan. 1, 2006 and Sept. 30, 2007. The eligibility period extends to overlap across each award year to ensure that potential nominations are not overlooked.

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

The Canadian Truck Hero Award is very important to us here at Bridgestone Firestone, said Scheklesky. The sense of history is remarkable as we reflect on the many rescues that have been made and the lives that have been saved over the course of the past 51 years of the Award. It is a testament to not only to the professionalism but also to the heroism of truck drivers in the face of adversity.