MISSISSAUGA, Ont. — The deadline for nominations for the 55^th annual Bridgestone Canadian Truck Hero Award is fast approaching. Bridgestone Canada (BSCA) is reminding members of the Canadian trucking industry to submit their picks for this year’s award recipient by no later than Sept. 30. The award recognizes truck drivers who have lent a helping hand to someone in need while on the road.
 
“Acts of heroism take place every day on our roads,” said Jim West, general manager of commercial products for Bridgestone Bandag Tire Solutions, a division of BSCA. “It’s not too late to get nominations in and recognize important acts of kindness. Now, more than ever, the process is easy: visit the Web site and tell us your story.”
 
Last year’s winner, Robert O’Brien of Cape Broyle, Nfld., was selected for rescuing a mother and her twin babies on Valentine’s Day in 2008. According to award officials, O’Brien’s quick and thoughtful action helped bring the family to safety and saved their life after the woman’s vehicle hit black ice and rolled over into a ditch just outside of Enterprise, N.W.T.
 
The 2010 Bridgestone Canadian Truck Hero Award recipient will receive a cheque for $3,000, a specially-commissioned trophy and an expense-paid trip for two to the award ceremony in November held during the Ontario Trucking Association’s annual meeting in Toronto. BSCA will also make a $3,000 donation to the recipient’s charity of choice and the employer of the award recipient, along with a guest, will also receive an expense-paid trip to attend the award ceremony.
 
To nominate a professional truck driver that has demonstrated courage, quick thinking and integrity in the face of an emergency, visit www.truckhero.ca . Candidates must be Canadian and operate a truck with 14 wheels or more.