On February 12, 2012, trucker Raul C. Perez, Jr., a driver for Aquatic Trucking Co., was driving westbound on I-20, near Clyde, Texas. The roads were icy and treacherous.
Noting a wreck along the highway, Perez pulled his truck off the roadway and went to help the vehicle’s occupants, when an older driver lost control of her car and hit the already disabled and Perez.
Perez was taken to the hospital, where the 33 year old, husband and father died of his injuries.
Raul was a great person and an excellent employee, said Greg Sechrist, transportation supervisor for Aquatic Trucking Co. He was always helping others, whether asked or not, and never asked for or expected anything in return. He went above and beyond what was expected of him. I am proud to have been not only his supervisor, but his friend. He truly will be missed.
The TCA heard of Perez’s heroics and sacrifice and have honored his memory with the Highway Angel award.
The TCA has sent Perez’s Highway Angel certificate, pin and patch to Sechrist, who will present the package to Perez’s wife and children.
Trucker’s risk their lives each day to help others. Many of their good deeds will go unnoticed. If you know someone who has put themselves on the line to help someone else and would like to nominate them for a Highway Angel award, nominations can be made here.