Paraparaumu truckie Dennis Roderick has won the 2012 Beaurepaires Highway Hero award for saving a toddler.
Last year Roderick – an owner driver for Fastway Couriers – was driving about 40kmh along Mana Esplanade, north of Porirua, when 16 month old Liam Adamson tried to cross the road in front of him.
He swung his 20m-long truck and trailer across both southbound lanes to prevent the toddler being run over, leapt out of his cab and picked up the boy.
“I just happened to be in the right place at the right time,” says Roderick, who was touched by the recognition.
NZ Police national roading manager superintendent Carey Griffiths saluted Roderick’s heroic actions when he presented him with the Highway Heroes trophy and a cheque for $5000.
Representatives from programme sponsors and supporters – Beaurepaires NZ, NZ Police, NZ Transport Authority and Fairfax NZ – judged this year’s award, which recognises acts of bravery, heroism or humanity performed by professional truck, bus and coach drivers in the course of their work.
“The Highway Heroes legacy is an impressive one,” says Beaurepaires NZ director of sales and marketing Campbell Gough. “Since its inception in 2000, more than 120 commercial drivers have been nominated and recognised publicaly for their often selfless acts to help others. While it’s not always the case, many of these drivers do so at some risk to themselves.
“It is by virtue of their day-to-day job that commercial drivers find themselves involved with incidents on our roads, so few consider their actions heroic – a trait common to most heroes. However, their actions and quick thinking invariably protect the wellbeing of other road users and Beaurepaires is proud to recognise the contribution these men and women make to helping keep others safe.”
