LOUISVILLE, Ky. (March 22, 2002)—Larry “Scott” Travis, a 10-year veteran and master trainer for Covenant Transportation in Chattanooga, Tenn., has been named winner of Goodyear's 19th annual North American Highway Hero award.
Mr. Travis, a professional truck driver from Albuquerque, N.M., was honored for saving a woman's life by pulling her from a burning car just before it exploded. The honor, announced at a press conference at the Mid-America Truck Show in Louisville, came with a $10,000 savings bond and a diamond ring.
It was August 7, 2001 when Mr. Travis saw flames coming from an SUV that was in a ditch. Approaching the vehicle, Mr. Travis realized an apparently unconscious woman sat behind the wheel. Reaching through an opening in the flames, and ultimately incurring burns on his own body, Mr. Travis pulled the woman to safety. Moments later the SUV exploded.
“Mr. Travis put himself in extreme danger to rescue a total stranger and demonstrated a courage under pressure that is truly awe-inspiring,” said Ted Fick, vice president of Goodyear Commercial Tire Systems. “He embodies the spirit of the Goodyear Highway Hero program.”