Richard Nadeau chosen as 1999 Canadian Truck Hero

TORONTO (Nov. 18, 1999) — For his efforts in pulling two occupants out of a burning mini-van, Quebec-based owner operator Richard Nadeau was chosen as 1999 Bridgestone/Firestone Canadian Truck Hero. Nadeau is only the third winner in the 43-year history of the award to be based in Quebec.

Nadeau, who lives in Fleurimont, Que., was on his way home on March 29 of this year when he passed the flaming mini-van on the opposite side of Hwy. 112 near Sherbrooke after it had crashed into a sign post. When he realized that there were people trapped inside, Nadeau acted quickly to remove a woman from the pas-senger side of the vehicle, then cut the seatbelt from around the unconscious male occupant of the van and pulled him to safety. Having been told that there was still a third person inside the van, Nadeau fought the smoke and flames in an unsuccessful attempt to extricate the couple’s child from the wreckage. He suffered second-degree burns to his hand and face in trying to locate the child. The child perished in the incident.

“I understand that we’re not alone in the world,” Nadeau said in accepting the award. “We have an obligation to help when ever we can.”

In presenting the award, senior vice-president of sales for Bridgestone/Firestone Can-ada, Don Gauthier, said, “If there’s an accident or a car broken down, chances are it will be a truck driver that stops to offer help. Nadeau really typifies the way most Canadian truckers operate.”