It’s not unusual to hear about truckers rushing the aid of motorists in need, often putting themselves in harm’s way to help others. Generally, when pulling a man from a burning vehicle, a heroic trucker might expect gratitude and thanks, not a sock in the face. To one driver’s surprise though, that’s exactly what he got.
It was just another day on the road for Joe Bearce, a driver for Stone Trucking Co. of Oklahoma when, just before cresting a hill, a sedan appeared in his lane traveling in the wrong direction. Bearce swerved to avoid the sedan and ended up in a ditch on the side of the road, unharmed. The sedan was not so lucky, going airborne as it rocketed off the embankment before crashing down to the ground and catching fire.
When Bearce saw the flames, he grabbed his fire extinguisher and rushed to the aid of the other driver. Finding all of the doors to the sedan stuck and the driver unresponsive between the two front seats, Bearce heaved at a back door and was able to pull it open.
By this time, the flames had spread to the interior of the vehicle, but Bearce was able to pull the man out. Bearce dragged the man away from the wreck, but when he put him down to clear some wreckage that was blocking their path, the man awoke and, in fear and confusion, lashed out and socked Bearce right in the face.
Though the man later admitted that he was disoriented, initially, he tried insisting multiple times that he had to go back to his still burning vehicle to retrieve his suitcase. Bearce was able to keep him away from the wreck and out of harm’s way.
For his heroic actions, Bearce was named a Highway Angel by the Truckload Carrier’s Association.
“If I hadn’t done what I did, there is no doubt in my mind he would have died in that car,” Bearce said. “I did what I thought I had to do. I’m far from a hero.”
Next Story: Driver Found Dead At Weigh Station From Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Source: truckinginfo, gobytrucknews, truckingnewsonline
DocW says
Way to go, Joe! No greater love and compassion can be shown than one who is willing to lay down his life for another. Blessings will be heaped upon you!
God Bless!
Old Guy says
Was the guy drunk or high ? I’d have punched him back. Hit me in the face and the fights on. I’ll beat some sense into his head. Of course ID have dragged the guy out of his burning wreck. But he’d still get hit back. Just a normal reaction I guess. I was in a roll over and I didn’t take a swing at the guy who dragged my carcass out from under the vehicle .
Steve Bell says
A true hero!
Rockin' Robin says
Another American Hero….his face will heal, but his self pride of duty will last forever. Of course, a nice big gift of gratitude to the trucker wouldn’t hurt a bit! :))