Too often in the news we hear only about those few members of our industry who accidentally or willfully cause damage to themselves and those around them, so this week we shine a light on the rest of our industry by honoring two heroic truckers, both of whom acted quickly to save the lives of those around them. This is one of two stories this week dedicated to them.
Harry Welker, a driver based out of Oklahoma, is a driver trainer for Melton Truck Lines. He and his trainee were stopped at a rest area off of I-70 in Kansas when they saw a Kansas state trooper pulling over a van. Not thinking anything of it, Welker walked in to the rest area. When he came out, he saw that the driver of the van had become violent, put the trooper in a choke hold, and started punching him repeatedly. Welker and his trainee, both former Marines, ran to the aid of the trooper, and helped to subdue the man.
“It was my natural reaction to go over there and help. I didn’t give it a second thought,” said Welker according to an Overdrive Online article. “I’m not out to get recognition. I’m a concerned citizen who took action when action needed to be taken.”
According to the Kansas Highway Patrol, the van driver was wanted for parole violations in several states. The KHP presented Welker with a plaque and issued a statement thanking him for “undoubtedly [saving the trooper] from further injury and possibly death.”
Next Story: Truck Driver Shot Over Parking Dispute
Source: overdrive
Image Source: prweb
George says
Good on him for stepping to the plate.
Plus one for the good guys!
Craig says
I thank Mr. Welker and his associate for showing the rest of America what the bulk of America’s truck drivers are all about. In truth; no one believes in America, or it’s values more than the American truck driver does. Most will stand up for what is right, or speak out against that which is wrong. We are, in effect, today’s patriots.
Dean says
Ooooorah!!! Marine! Semper-fi!! Once a Marine always a Marine!
cheyenne says
Prob get a ticket there next week for a tail light. Something petty….i guess they better train their cops better eh?! As for the driver yiur always risking a lawsuit when u help others. This is america. Thats what ppl do but touche…..oh btw thxs for yiur service!!
Creedmore Sharps says
Troopers work without backup. Solo. By themselves. Even super-truckers have an oops once in a while. D-bag got the drop on the trooper, amazing that you’re qualified to comment on the training KHP gets. Thanks, Driver Welker, for stepping in and doing something rather than carping about it
J Ossowski says
Posted like someone who never had the guts to even try to wear a badge.
This is NOT “america”. It IS “America”.
“Good Samaritan” laws enacted in all states protect someone rendering assistance in an emergency from lawsuits except for the most egregious actions. I doubt any thought of a lawsuit even passed through these drivers’ minds.
Tim says
Thank you, you not only stood up for that trooper, you stood up for all of us. Which is what the trooper does every day. I and most of us would have done the same.
royce says
nice job. the police and their resources are strained to breaking in most states. glad there is a “reserve” force out there that the bad guy usually never even stops to think about.
Robin says
Thank you and your trainee SO much for you continued service! Once an American Hero, always an American Hero! You will not be forgotten for your continued bravery.
Brian White says
Good for those drivers! I’m sure that trooper was glad they came along. I know all of us aren’t inclined to step into a situation like that, but because these men were former active duty (I don’t say “former Marines”, because you never stop being a Marine, or any other military, IMO) they didn’t give it a second thought.
Did anyone here of this incident on the national media? If it was there, I didn’t see it, because I refuse to watch their left-leaning propaganda.
This is the type of story that gets ignored by all but local media and patriots nationwide.
mark says
Why do you have to turn a great story into a political diatribe? STFU.
rob says
I can’t believe such a great story of people not holding prejudice and rescuing a Trooper is now tainted by your smart a$$ prejudice about a side of the political spectrum. You are an idiot.
Nancy says
You go, truck drivers. Not only do you deliver our goods, but you are looking out for America too.
Ray says
As a Melton driver I’m glad that these guys represented our company and industry so well. God bless these guys.
Ray says
As a Melton driver I’m glad these guys represented our company and industry so well. God bless both of them.
Linda says
Thanks for being a good Samaritan and proving that all drivers are not all bad!
Good for you!
God Bless you and yours,
Linda
Robert says
That’s good that you where there when it happened.
fred says
Great job I’m retired Army you did the thing you make all of us proud
Tommy says
Well Done MARINE!!!
Douglas Kirk says
This situation isn’t about politics, Mark. It’s about two guys that did the right thing. Doesn’t really matter if they were marines or drivers or farmers or a couple of hippies having a toke. People know what to do when circumstances dictate. Instead of cowering in the corner waiting for SOMEBODY to do something, be the cavalry and save the day. Great job, guys.
Shirley says
It takes a lot of courage for someone to step in and help another. Great job! I’m sure the trooper owes his life to your quick thinking.
Infosaur says
To quote the Irish Proverb:
“Is this a private fight officer or can anyone join in?”
Donnie41 says
Great JoB!! Sorry to see a few whiners on this link but most would have done the same thing.
Great Job Melton Brothers!!
Jason says
Way to go Comrade,,,way to go indeed. Thank you for your service to this Country.
Rhoda Thompson says
I commend those 2 drivers for standing up for what was right and for what they believe in…Great job
Steve Bell says
The best story I have read in a long time!..
Deborah L says
Good job, you two most likely saved his life.