Truck Drivers Honored as 2024 TCA Highway Angels of the Year
The Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) has recognized three professional truck drivers as Highway Angels of the Year for 2024. These awards highlight acts of exemplary courtesy and courage performed on North America’s roadways.
Dawna Jacobsen and Anthony Blunnie were among the recipients featured on NewsNation’s Morning in America program. During the broadcast, Jacobsen shared her perspective, stating, “It’s a great honor, but I’m not deserving.” Both drivers recounted their rescue stories from the road, demonstrating the life-saving behaviors often associated with Highway Angel recognitions.
The Highway Angel program, established by TCA in 1997, annually honors more than 50 professional truck drivers. To date, it has recognized over 1,250 individuals, with sources noting nearly 1,500 total recipients since inception. TCA partners with EpicVue as a sponsor to support these awards.
Recent honorees include drivers from established fleets. Michael Alpine and Scott Derrick, both with ABF Freight, received recognition. Anthony Dunne of Maverick Transportation and Chris Bishop of Hi Pro Inc. were also named among the newest recipients.
These awards underscore the role of professional drivers in enhancing road safety. By intervening in emergencies, recipients exemplify the courtesy and courage expected from those navigating highways daily. The program draws nominations from the public and industry peers who witness such deeds firsthand.
For professional drivers, the Highway Angel recognition serves as formal acknowledgment of contributions beyond hauling freight. It emphasizes vigilance and quick action in high-risk environments where split-second decisions can protect lives.
EpicVue’s sponsorship supports the program’s growth, enabling broader outreach to celebrate these efforts. The initiative remains open to nominations for drivers who perform heroic acts while operating on the road.
- Program History: Launched in 1997 by TCA.
- Annual Impact: More than 50 recognitions per year.
- Total Honorees: Over 1,250 to nearly 1,500 drivers.
- 2024 Angels of the Year: Includes Dawna Jacobsen, Anthony Blunnie, and one additional driver.
- Recent Recipients: Michael Alpine (ABF Freight), Anthony Dunne (Maverick Transportation), Scott Derrick (ABF Freight), Chris Bishop (Hi Pro Inc.).
The TCA Highway Angel program continues to spotlight the professionalism of truck drivers. These stories from 2024 reinforce the program’s focus on real-world examples of roadway heroism, providing inspiration for drivers across North America.