MATTHEW KONDRICK SHIELDS INOPERABLE VEHICLES, ASSISTS MOTORISTS AFTER DOWNED TREE DESTROYS VEHICLES

01/11/2019
Alexandria, Virginia

Matthew Kondrick of Sacramento, California, a professional truck driver formerly with Melton Truck Lines, Inc. of Tulsa, Oklahoma, has been named a Highway Angel by the Truckload Carriers Association (TCA). He is being recognized for not only shielding crashed vehicles but also assisted occupants that were trapped.

In July, Kondrick was driving in a heavy rain and wind storm. “I saw that several trucks were starting to break up ahead of me,” he recalled. “And then I noticed that a tree had come down and crushed two cars in front of me.” Acting swiftly, Kondrick safely pulled his truck over to block approaching vehicles from the inoperable cars.

Without a moment to spare, he grabbed his tools and quickly ran to check on the occupants. As he approached the first vehicle, the roof was completely gone. Kondrick noticed additional vehicles approaching the scene. “I told the [drivers] to all put on their lights so that we didn’t have a pile up,” he shared.

Once peering inside the first car, he found a woman and her daughter, both visibly shaken but coherent. “I assured the passengers that everything was going to be alright, and then used my spotlights to secure the area until law enforcement arrived,” said Kondrick. In the second car, he discovered a man, along with a Bassett Hound.

While awaiting emergency personnel, Kondrick retrieved a soda from his cab as well as dog bones as he has a dog in the truck. As a former firefighter, helping others comes naturally to him.

TCA proudly salutes Kondrick for his selfless act of kindness. For his willingness to assist motorists in need, TCA has presented him with a certificate, patch, lapel pin, and truck decals. Melton Truck Lines, Inc. also received a certificate acknowledging him as a Highway Angel.

TCA’s Highway Angel program is sponsored by EpicVue. Both organizations are honored to recognize deserving professional truck drivers as Highway Angels for the unusual kindness, courtesy, and courage they have shown others while on the job.