In Memory Of our FallenTower's

It is very sad to seeanother of our friends, no brother, sister, family member of an Emergancy Serviceend up here.

The public needs to look at this page before more of us get hit or killed on the hwy.

It'snot just states but the government, the public, educate the young ones take all emergancy services to schools...

PLEASE REMEMBER THAT WHEN YOU SEE "FLASHING LIGHTS OF ANY COLOR, REFLECTIVE VEST OR JAKETS TO SLOW DOWN & MOVE OVER WHEN YOU CAN" IT COULD BE YOUR LIFE WE ARE COMING TO SAVE, WE HAVE FAMILIES TOO, & WANT TO GO HOME.... "WE WATCH YOUR BACKS, DO YOU HAVE OURS?'' HOW MANY MORE LAW ENFORCEMENT, RESCUE, EMERGANCY SERVICES, & TOW PERSONAL HAVE TO DIE BEFORE THE PEOPLE BECOME ONE & TAKE A STAND, TO FIGHT FOR WHATS RIGHT & OUR LIVES?

OUR FALLEN HEROS WILL BE WITH US ALWAYS WATCHING US, HELPING OTHERS, GUIDING US TO SAFETY WHEN WE ARE OUT THERE TOWING, & HELPING OTHERS... SHOWING US THE WAY TO LIFE, TEACHING US, & TO HELP TEACH OTHERS, GIVING THEIR LIFEIN A GREATER SERVICE TO HELP PROECT OTHERS IN NEED.

THEY WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN & ALWAYS IN OUR HEARTS...

Here's to all the people who Do slow down and DO move over! You are few in number, and it's greatly appreciated!

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In Loving Memory of

Michael "Mike" Robert Sanders

December 28th,1983 - February 7th, 2011

A forgotten/unknown law that can mean the difference between life and death...

California Towing Operators to Raise Move Over Awareness with Funeral Procession

In Memoriam

Michael Sanders

With our most sincere regrets, we announce the death of Michael Sanders 27, tow operator for Ace in the Hole Towing, Roseville. Michael was killed in the line of service on Monday, February 7, 2011.

Mike was dispatched to a tow call and was in the process of loading a 24 bus when he was struck and killed by a passing motorist.

Mike was a tow truck operator at heart. Mike had only worked for Ace in the Hole Towing for a short time but had worked in the towing industry for several years and was eager to learn more. Mike enjoyed coming to work every day and would always show up with a smile and a positive attitude. Even though Mike had only worked for Ace in the Hole Towing for a short time, he will be missed dearly.

Mike at only 27 years of age was taken from us too soon. He is survived by his Mother, Stepfather and Dad and a private funeral service will be held.

Our sincere condolences go out to his family, friends and colleagues at Ace in the Hole Towing.

A funeral procession of over 100 trucks is planned to honor California towing operator Michael Sanders. The procession is scheduled to begin at 11:00 a.m. (today) Friday, Feb. 18, at the Nightingale Funeral Home in Sacramento and end at Woobridge Park in Roseville.

Sanders, 27, was struck and killed shortly before 6:30 p.m., Feb 2, as he was preparing to tow a bus on Highway 50 near El Dorado. Police said the driver of the vehicle that struck Sanders was not complying with Californias Move Over Law, which requires drivers to change lanes when approaching an emergency vehicle roadside, or slow to a safe speed.

By participating in the tow truck procession, operators hope to raise public awareness of the law.

Safety responders are asking drivers to follow the law to prevent unnecessary deaths.

California's "Move Over, Slow Down" law, which took effect on July 1, 2007, states that motorists on the freeway must move to the next lane when there is a safety response vehicle adjacent to their lane. If they are unable to do so, they must slow down to a safe speed when passing the vehicle.

An amendment to the law became effective in January 2010, increasing the fine from $50 to over $200. Drivers who do break the law may also receive a point on their driving record.

Almost every state, except Hawaii and Washington, D.C., has implemented a "Move Over" law. California extends this law to protect tow truck drives, however, this is not the case in every state.

According to tow truck drivers, the law may be in place, but drivers are unaware of it. A national poll sponsored by the National Safety Commission estimates that 71 percent of Americans don't know about these laws.

"So many tow truck drivers get killed because people don't follow the law," said Andrea Tomassi, president of the Bay Area based Finish Line Towing, Inc.

There are an estimated 60 tow truck operators killed every year, according to the Tow Truck Association of America.

One of these deaths occurred on Highway 50 near El Dorado Hills on Feb. 7. Michael Sanders, 27, was assisting a private bus that had run out of gas when a white van struck the vehicle. The van collided with the rear, left side of the bus before hitting Sanders.

"The person was actually driving on the shoulder when they hit [Sanders]," said Larry Moniz, owner of Ace in the Hole Towing in Roseville, where Sanders worked.

Sanders had been part of Ace in the Hole Towing for only a month, but he had been in the towing industry for four years.

A funeral procession for Sanders was led on Feb. 18 by 162 tow trucks from all over the state.

Moniz said that he hopes the procession has brought awareness about the "Move Over" law.

"When the 'Move Over' law passed, as far as I know, there were zero publications and zero interest [in educating drivers]," Moniz said. "The state, with its current crisis, has not spent time at all on advertisement."

Many of the states, including Oklahoma and Texas, have signs posted on the roads, telling motorists to move over for emergency vehicles.

"There are sign boards in California telling drivers to 'hang up your phone and drive'," Moniz said. "This, too, is a roadway law. Why isn't it posted here?"

Moniz is currently working on an unofficial appeal to the governor for more effort in educating the public about this and other new laws that the state creates and implements every year.

Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) spokesperson Steve Haskins said that while the DMV collects fines and manages vehicle registration, it is not responsible for the implementation of the law.

"While we have the laws posted on the website, it is the [California Highway Patrol (CHP)] that handles all of the enforcement," Haskins said.

The DMV has no authority over the matter, Haskins said. CHP officials were not available to comment.

As for public education, the "Move Over" law is slowly gaining recognition.

"When Mike was killed, it became a big issue," Moniz said. "Now it's in all the towing magazines, showing what the different states are doing about this law."

Meanwhile, tow truck drivers continue to look out for their own safety.

"We have information and safety meetings with all our employees, and we tell everybody the same thing," Tomassi said. "When you go to a scene, you always need to keep a look out."

Drivers are taught to operate their trucks safely and to look for an escape route in case of an emergency.

"Cars are going so fast that you only have a split second to make a decision," Tomassi said.

Tomassi said that she always sees reports of truck drivers getting hurt or killed because of careless drivers.

"I look through these articles, and I think 'here's another one, and here's another one,'" Tomassi said.

On Monday, a tow truck operator was killed while working on I-95 in Etna, Maine. The operator was helping a tractor-trailer that broke down when he was struck by a silver Honda Civic driving on the adjacent lane.

Tow truck driver killed on Highway 50 after van strikes bus

By Chelsea Phua A tow truck driver from Auburn was killed Monday evening when a box van struck a bus on Highway 50, officials said. The 27-year-old victim was assisting the private bus that ran out of gas near an exit in El Dorado Hills, said Officer Jasper Begay of the California Highway Patrol.
Begay said the driver of the 1962 school bus had bought the vehicle to rebuild it into an RV for his personal use and had just picked it up when it became disabled on westbound Highway 50 near the Latrobe Road exit. The bus driver waited for about an hour on the right shoulder for the tow truck driver. Shortly before 6:30 p.m., the tow truck driver was operating the levers at the left rear of the truck after he had attached the bus when the box van drifted onto the right shoulder, Begay said.

The white van struck the bus in the rear, tore through it and hit the tow truck operator, killing him instantly, Begay said.

The van driver, a 41-year-old Pollock Pines man, suffered moderate injuries and the bus driver suffered minor injuries, Begay said. Both men were taken to UC Davis Medical Center. Names of those involved in the crash were not immediately being released.

Begay said officers are investigating what caused the van driver to drive into the right shoulder.

Traffic was being restricted to one lane for several hours on Monday night while CHP authorities investigated the crash.

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Allen Rose

Allen Rose, Tow Truck Driver who was brutally dragged to death yesterday, 2-23-11 in Colorado Springs, CO while attempting a routine tow of an illegally parked, un-plated vehicle. The procession followed the 1.4 mile long path on which Allen was dragged, & sadly passes.

The family of a Springs tow truck driver, dragged to his death last month, got a helping hand from several Texas Roadhouse Restaurants Tuesday evening.The restaurants held a fundraiser for the Allen Rose family Tuesday from 4 p.m. - 10 p.m. Texas Roadhouse will share 10 percent of the proceeds with the family.The participating restaurants were on Jackson Creek Parkway in Monument, Powers and Carefree in Colorado Springs and on South 8th Street in Colorado Springs. The three restaurants combined earned $5,100. Rose was dragged to his death in February, allegedly by Detra Farries, when she drove her car away while Rose was attempting to tow it. Rose got caught in the cables and was dragged nearly two miles before he died.

Colorado Springs, Colorado Bill "Allen Rose's Law"

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. -- Senate Majority Leader John Morse released the first draft of legislation in hopes of making the tow-truck driving industry safer.

The "Tow-truck Signage," bill or "Allen Rose's Law," would make it a crime to get into a car being towed. The bill would require towing carriers to first place a warning sign on the driver-side door.

"The object isn't to punish people for doing this, but to prevent them from doing it," said Morse.

Thirty-five-year-old tow truck driver Allen Rose was killed in February when he was dragged by an SUV for more than a mile. Police said it began when Rose tried to move an illegally parked car.

Colorado Springs resident Mike Baier came up with the idea earlier this week. Just three days later, Morse had a draft bill ready to go.

"I can't believe it moved so quickly," said Baier.

Allen Rose's business partner John Stellabotte said this legislation is a start in the right direction. But he is not sure it will fix the problem. He fears people will just remove the magnetic sign.

Morse said it will help prosecute these types of crimes. In the Rose case, "The woman claims she didn't notice it was happening. With a big sign, no one can claim again they didn't know it was happening," said Morse.

As the bill is written, a person who removes the sign commits a class 3 misdemeanor. That could result in jail time and fines.

Woman Arrested in Allen Rose Case

COLORADO SPRINGS -- Police have arrested a 32-year-old woman on manslaughter charges in Wednesday's dragging death of a Colorado Springs tow truck driver.
Detra Farries was booked into the El Paso County Jail Friday evening. No further details of her arrest were released.
35-year-old Allen Rose, a married father of two and an Iraq War veteran, was in the process of hooking up an illegally parked SUV to his tow truck at an apartment complex when, according to police, Farries jumped into the SUV and drove off.
Rose's legs became entangled in a tow cable and he was dragged for more than a mile. He later died at Memorial Hospital from blunt force trauma, the El Paso County coroner said.
A man who says he is the cousin of the driver, Bruce Knight, told KKTV-TV Farries did not know she was dragging Rose. "She cries all the time about this, and she just didn't know the gentleman was being dragged behind her," Knight said.

Anyone with additional information on the case is asked to call police at 719-444-7000 or Crime-stoppers at 719-634-STOP (7867).

Widow of Colorado Tow Truck Driver Files Wrongful Death Lawsuit

The widow of deceased Colorado Springs tow truck driver Allen Rose has filed a lawsuit against the woman accused of manslaughter in his death, according to a news report.

In a wrongful death lawsuit filed March 2 in the 4th Judicial District Court on behalf of Roses estate and his heirs, including his wife and their two children, Dawn Renee Rose claims that Detra Farries was negligent and careless when she drove off in a GMC sport utility vehicle that Allen Lew Rose had attached a towing cable to on Feb. 23 outside an apartment building, the report states. The suit contends that Farries then dragged the tow truck driver for a distance of 1.2 miles after his leg became caught in the cable.

The suit claims that by Farries failing to stop when she realized, or should have realized, she was dragging Rose, the defendant was negligent and careless in operating the GMC, according to the report.

Farries is due back in court at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, March 9, when prosecutors are expected to file charges in the case. District Attorney Dan May has said the charges could be more or less serious than manslaughter based upon what the investigation by the Colorado Springs police reveals, the report states.

A manslaughter conviction carries a normal penalty of up to six years in prison, although in cases with aggravated circumstances, a judge can sentence a defendant up to 12 years in prison.

Farries remains free on a $50,000 bond pending her court appearance.

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Orlando Arroyo

WE LOST ANOTHER BROTHER :(--- RIP..Tow truck driver Orlando Arroyo succumbed yesterday to injuries he received when struck by a van while changing a tire in the right lane of the Cross Island Parkway. He worked for Speedway Towing in Jamaica, NY. He is survived by his wife and two children. Our thoughts and prayers go out to them...

Tow truck driver Orlando Arroyo succumbed yesterday to injuries he received when struck by a van while changing a tire in the right lane of the Cross Island Parkway. He worked for Speedway Towing in Jamaica, NY. He is survived by his wife and two children. Our thoughts and prayers go out to them.

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Harold Harmon

Harmon's Towing & Reacovery

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Christian Gutierrez

We lost ANOTHER BROTHER TODAY..
( ANOTHER REASON, THE MOVE OVER LAW IS SO IMPORTANT)

REFUGIO COUNTY - A tow truck driver was killed along Highway 77 this morning as he was trying to move a wrecked vehicle off the road. 24-year-old Christian Gutierrez was hit by a UPS 18-wheeler as he stood on the side of the road. The UPS driver kept going and later told Department of Public Safety troopers that he did not realize he had hit anyone. Gutierrez was pronounced dead at the scene, charges are pending against the UPS driver.

Just yesterday, the Texas Senate approved a bill that would require drivers to slow down for tow trucks working accident scenes or picking up disabled cars. Under the measure, drivers would be required to slow down to at least 20 miles under the speed limit or change lanes away from the tow truck to prevent an accident.

William Tony Padilla

Washington traffic incident management coalition honors fallen tow truck driver Tony Padilla

On September 24, 2010, Tow Truck Driver William Tony Padilla was struck and killed by an impaired motorist while hooking a vehicle up to his tow truck on Interstate 5 near Spokane Street. Padilla was working for GT Towing in Seattle when he was killed.

Padilla was a Burien resident.

In recognition of the value tow operators bring to driver and responder safety plus keeping drivers moving, the Washington Traffic Incident Management Coalition honored Padilla in a ceremony during its annual 2011 Traffic Incident Management Conference. As part of the honor, Padillas name has been added to the Circle of Honor Memorial Plaque that recognizes other Washington State transportation or public safety employees who have lost their lives while doing their jobs.

In the ceremony today there was a hat or helmet from law enforcement, emergency medical services, fire department, WSDOT and Tony Padillas helmet and vest which were placed on a table that was set for one. The table was draped in a white table cloth, portraying innocence, there was one red rose placed in a vase with a black ribbon, indicating he would not return, and there was a place setting for one with an overturned glass, indicating that he would not be toasting with us today. The table remained for the duration of the day.

The Washington Traffic Incident Coalition is made up of representatives from Washington State Department of Transportation, Washington State Patrol, Fire & Emergency Medical Services, and others who work together to create innovative ways for safe and efficient management of incidents and develop training that encourages and enables the development of local response plans.

Memorial for GT Towing Driver Killed on I-5

Saturday, October 9th William Tony Padilla of GT Towing will be remembered as a 20 year veteran of the industry and a dedicated service provider. Many have referred to Tony as a big teddy bear. A memorial service and tow truck procession have been scheduled in his honor.

Tow trucks, emergency vehicles, and other attendees are asked to arrive in Bellevue at the Eastgate Park and Ride in located at 14200 Eastgate Way between 1:30pm and 2:00pm. The procession will travel westbound across I-90 and conclude at 2960 4th Ave South in Seattle at the Pacific Industrial Center where a memorial service will be held.

Tony was killed in the line of duty lastFriday while performing his duty on a routine call when an SUV suddenly crossed five lanes of traffic on Interstate 5 and crushed the unsuspecting tow truck driver. When the heavily intoxicated driver of the SUV fled the scene, the Washington State Patrolreacted immediately, calling for aid and pursuing the two criminals.WSP later caught up with the heavily damaged SUV and arrested both the driver and the passenger who both had existing warrants and past criminal history.

The tragic death of the GT driver has weighed heavily on surrounding tow truck operators as they come to terms with the extreme dangers associated with working on the highways. In this particular case, Tony appeared to be well protected as his lane was blocked by WSP patrol cars, DOT trucks, and traffic cones. Even Washingtons Move Over Law, amended this year to help protect emergency crews on the highway, proved to be a minimal amount of protection for Tony. The fatal attack came from the side while barreling down the freeway at more than 60 miles per hour and crashed into the emergency scene while Tony waskneeling downto hook up the wheels of the disabled vehicle.

As emergency scene workers struggle to provide effectivemeans of protection for themselvesalong the highways, some organizations have been formed toattack the root of the problem in keeping dangerous drivers off the road. Target Zero was formed in 1998 to end traffic deaths on Washington State roadways. The organization uses education, enforcement, engineering, and emergency medical services to achieve its goal of ending traffic deaths in Washington State and emphasizes the importance of protecting public safety workers while on scene of emergencies.The Washington Traffic Safety Commission has stated that the Target Zero Progam has made significant progress in reducing the number of statewide highway deaths. However, an article promoting Lowest Fatality Rate on Washingtons Roads in History was published one day prior to Tonys accident on I-5.

For tow truck drivers, dangers are everywhere. John Halberg, owner of GT Towing experienced some of the extreme dangers of towing on the Interstate first hand justtwo days before his ownemployee was fatally struck. Tuesday, Sept 21st Halberg was loading a disabled semi truck on I-5 while another truck driver was pulling out into traffic from the shoulder of the freeway. The truck pullinginto traffic washitfrom behing by a fuel tanker, which causedJohn to run for safety. The ensuing wreck was so devastating, it shut down the freeway for 12 hours and John narrowly escaped with his life.

The Towing & Recovery Association of Washington is one of many organizationswhich has played an active role in educating tow truck operators on highway safety as well as safe towing practices. The association has actively sought to help GT Towing as they attempt to cope with the loss of life. Tow operators across the nation have a common bond and have a history of coming together to support each other during times of significant loss.

The International Towing & Recovery Museum & Hall of Fame dedicatedthe Wall of the Fallen in 2006 to honor those who have died in the line of service and to generate public awareness of the dangers involved in the towing and recovery industry. The museum also instituted The Survivor Fund to offer monetary assistance to families left behind after the loss of a tow truck driver. Soon, Tonys name will be added to the wall where he will join his fellow tow truck operators whose lives ended unexpectedly while performing their duty.

Saturdays memorial will be a brief opportunity for attendees to share a few memories of Tony, but his name will live on as a lifelong service provider who paid the ultimate price for helping others in need. Tony was well known among tow providers in King County, having worked for several in the Seattle area. Many have expressed their anger toward the irresponsible driver who caused the wreck. Some of the ensuing rage has been calmed since learning of the vehicular homicide charges recently filed against the woman, but nothing will ever seem to right the wrong that has been done. For now, it is a time for mourning. For now, its time to support the Padilla family and our brothers at GT Towing.

Daniel G. Bobholz

WASHINGTON COUNTY, Wis. -- A tow truck driver was killed while trying to get a car out of a ditch Tuesday afternoon in Washington County, according to the Washington County Sheriff's Office.

The crash happened near the intersection of Highways 41 and 33. The southbound lanes of Highway 41 near the Allenton exit were closed as of 5 p.m

The State Patrol said the tow truck operator was trying to remove one of the vehicles that had gone into a ditch. He was then struck by a passing car and hit again by a passing semi.

The Sheriff's Office said the weather is to blame for the crash.

The Sheriff's Office also said it had a serious crash in Newburg Tuesday afternoon that left one person in critical condition and two other people with non-life-threatening injuries.

Tow-truck driver killed in accident is identified

A tow-truck operator, killed when he was struck by a sport utility vehicle while removing another vehicle that ran off a slippery road in Washington County, was identified Wednesday as Daniel G. Bobholz.

Bobholz, 59, was struck about 2:30 p.m., Tuesday on southbound U.S. Highway 41 at State Highway 33 near West Bend, according to a news release from the Wisconsin State Patrol.

According to the release, as a Washington County Sheriff's Office deputy directed traffic around Bobholz, the deputy's squad car was sideswiped by the SUV, which then struck Bobholz.

The impact pushed Bobholz against his tow truck before he fell into the roadway, where he was then struck by a passing semi, the release said.

The crash remained under investigation Wednesday.

Brad Bouton

Vancouver tow driver had wedding plans

VANCOUVER -- A grieving fiancee was left with nothing but questions after her boyfriend died Friday when police said he jumped from a parked pickup bed into a lane of traffic, getting hit by a passing car.

The driver, Christopher Palaia, 42, was going down State Route 14 in Vancouver Friday night, when WSP said he slammed into Brad Bouton, 52, who was using a pickup to tow another pickup. Bouton died instantly.

"He didn't have to die," a tearful Deena Houseman said, "He could be home right now."

Houseman was planning a wedding in July, and instead was left with a funeral.

"Brad backed up and was putting the safety lights on it," she said. "He (the owner of the disabled truck) heard Brad jump down on the other side of the car . . . and that was it . Just in an instant."

Washington law says drivers must move over when there's flashing lights, but many tow truck drivers say people rarely do.

"I just about got clipped one night," said Ryan Wall from Action Towing in Vancouver. "He just came by and just about got us all. It was close. I was up against my truck. I mean it was close. Nobody slows down, they just keep on cruising right on by."

Bouton was a father of six and grandfather to 17.

"Just trying to understand why. Why did he have to be taken," Houseman said as she gripped a photo of Bouton

Motorist, tow truck driver killed on Loop 202 in Mesa

A stranded motorist and a tow truck driver were killed Friday morning when the driver of a heavy-duty truck plowed into them on the westbound Red Mountain Loop 202, near Gilbert Road, in Mesa.

Sgt. Harold Sanders, a state Department of Public Safety spokesman, said there was no obvious explanation for why the heavy-duty equipment truck plowed into the back of the tow truck, which was parked in the emergency lane.

He said the tow truck driver had just finished changing a tire on an SUV and was talking to the stranded motorist when the collision pushed the tow truck into them at about 10 a.m. The heavy-duty truck then careened across three lanes of traffic and was prevented by barrier cables from heading into the eastbound lanes.

The names of the victims were not being released until notification of their relatives.

The motorist assist was almost ended. It's unfortunate that within minutes, both of these people would have been down the road,'' Sanders said.

The tow truck driver worked for Thompson's Repair and Towing in Mesa.

Sanders praised drivers in the area for taking evasive action to avoid slamming into the heavy-duty truck as it spun out.

We're just thinking about the families involved at this time,'' said Joey Vivian, another employee.

Linda Gorman, a spokeswoman for AAA Arizona, said the accident should renew efforts to expand the state's move over'' law to include tow trucks, along with emergency vehicles such as police cars, fire trucks and ambulances.

The law requires drivers to move to the next lane, when possible, or at least slow down to provide emergency workers with a larger cushion of safety. Arizona and 40 other states have such laws, but 17 states also have laws that include tow trucks.

We would like to see the law expanded,'' Gorman said. Tow trucks were exempted in the final version of the law when it passed in 2005, she said.

Sgt. Ed Wessing, a Mesa police spokesman, said common sense should prevail, with drivers moving to the left whether tow trucks are included in the law or not.

I think whenever you have a vehicle stranded on the side of the roadway, that should be the standard reaction by the motoring public,'' he said.

Sanders said no law would have saved Friday's victims and the culprit was inattention.

It wouldn't have done anything, he said. There is no valid reason for that person to be in the emergency lane.''

The driver of the heavy-duty truck was in critical condition at a Valley hospital and was unable to explain to police why the accident occurred, he said. Police have no suspicion of impairment.

This is daytime and the weather is clear. It's not a construction zone. It's a straightaway,'' Sanders said. There's no visual obstruction. ''does make you angry."

Police say the driver of the Rogue did not stop, but was pulled over and arrested minutes later near 64th Avenue and Wadsworth Boulevard. Twenty-eight-year-old Zachariah Dobler from Lakewood was taken to the Jefferson County Jail.

Dilley was taken to a local hospital where he died.

Officers are investigating if Dobler was under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the incident.

Dobler has been arrested several times since 2002, according to the Colorado Bureau of Investigations. His arrests included petty larceny, DUI, burglary, domestic violence and marijuana possession.

Tow truck drivers say the profession is a dangerous one. They are often on busy roads or highways as cars speed by. They say if lights are flashing, it's critical to slow down and pull into the opposite lane.

Tow truck driver killed in hit-and-run JULY 31ST, 2011

ARVADA - A tow truck driver was killed in Arvada early Sunday after being struck by a hit-and-run driver.

According to Arvada Police, Alan Dilley, a 41-year-old Connolly's Tow Truck driver, was helping emergency workers outside of a vehicle that needed to be towed. Just after 1:30 a.m., near the intersection of 58th Avenue and Wadsworth Boulevard, police say Dilley was hit by a Nissan Rogue.

"It's a very sad story," Marcello Ortega, a tow truck driver who worked with Dilley and considered him a friend, said. "It does make you angry."

Tow truck drivers say the profession is a dangerous one. They are often on busy roads or highways as cars speed by. They say if lights are flashing, it's critical to slow down and pull into the opposite lane.

"We all have families, we all have somewhere to go home," Ortega said. "[He] woke up yesterday to take care of his family, and some irresponsible person took that away from him."

Dilley's brother says towing trucks was something Alan found as a career late in life - and it was all he wanted to do. His brother says he hopes people don't forget, any time soon, that tow truck drivers face dangerous conditions every day.

James Jim Kessler

July 16, 1954 Oct. 15, 2011

James Jim Kessler, known as the worlds nicest man, was born on July 16, 1954, and left this world on Oct. 15, 2011. With the help of his loving wife, Barbara Kessler, he had an amazing life. He will be greatly missed by his three sons, Vernon Bray, Darrell and Aaron Kessler. He will forever be in the hearts of his daughters, Starla Brock and Melanie Eissler and daughters-in-law, Jodi Bray, Lindsey and Joelle Kessler. His life and memories forever live on through the hearts and souls of his 12 grandchildren, Shyla and Summer Brock, Skyler Lee, Sprencer Bray, Monique, Cameron, Bronson, Darrell Jr., Abram, and Andrew Kessler and Amber and James Eissler; and his only great-grandchild, Bryson Pursh. He had a large family including the La Croixs, the Bergstrands and the Kesslers. We cant forget his favorite uncle, Uncle Larry, his hardworking drivers, and his tons of friends. He was a very loved man and he will always remain in our hearts.

A funeral mass will be held Monday, Oct. 24, at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 3109 Sacramento Street in Placerville, at 11 a.m., followed by interment at St. Patrick Cemetery, 895 Green Street. Donations may be made on his behalf to the James Kessler Memorial Fund at El Dorado Savings Bank. Arrangements entrusted to Chapel of the Pines in Placerville, Calif. Online condolences may posted at chapelofthepinesfunerals.com.

Travis James Byers

May 15, 1991 Aug. 28, 2011

Travis James Byers passed from this world Sunday, Aug. 28, 2011. Although only 20 years old, Travis was wise beyond his years, lived and loved passionately and shared his love for life with his friends and family. He is remembered as one who made others feel important, could sell ice cream in a snowstorm and was devoted to his family and friends. He loved his career with Best Buy in Marina, Calif., and will be sorely missed by his friends and co-workers. Even in death, he continues to improve the lives of others as an organ donor.

Travis is survived by his parents, Jim and Carol and his sister, Megan of Pollock Pines; paternal grandparents, Clar and Sandy Byers of Minden, Nev.; maternal grandparents, Bob and Margret Addison of Sonora, Calif.; his paternal great-grandmother, Vivian Griffin; and his aunts, uncles, and cousins. He is also survived by honorary relatives, the Marshall, the Crawford, and the Shamblin families. He joins his grandma, Pauline Addison, in heaven.

Services will be held Tuesday, Sept. 6, at 3 p.m., at Green Valley Community Church. All are invited to celebrate Travis life. In lieu of flowers, a memorial trust fund has been established at the Union Bank Placerville branch.

If you have any information on any of these theses tower or if you would like us to post another family member or if you woud like to add anything please feel free to contact me.  Please don't find this affencive, but it is for awareness for all. 

Still have questions? Please contact us anytime! We look forward to hearing from you.