Halvor Gold CDL grad is a TCA Highway Angel
Halvor Lines driver Thaddeus Paulson was making his first run as a professional truck driver when he witnessed a rollover accident in Iowa just before Christmas. His quick response and ability to help the driver get his injured grandfather to safety earned Thaddeus a Highway Angel award from the Truckload Carrier’s Association. It also generated interest from Duluth journalist Renee Passal, who featured Thaddeus in WDIO-TV’s Northland Strong series.
You can catch the video news story here or read a version of it below.
Story courtesy of Renee Passal and WDIO-TV.
Just days before Christmas, a truck driver from Duluth helped rescue a man trapped in a truck. And here’s what is even more impressive – the driver, Thaddeus Paulson, was returning from his very first delivery as a professional truck driver, when it happened.
Paulson, 27, had just completed the Halvor Gold CDL Training program and was on his first run when he saw a Chevy Silverado lose control and flip several times on Highway 20 near Iowa Falls, Iowa.
“I pulled over. I put my flashers on. I put my reflective triangles out and I ran across the road to try to go assist,” Thaddeus said. “One of the men inside was having heart problems. His grandson had been taking him to the hospital.”
Thaddeus helped get the older man out of the truck. “It was probably -20 outside with wind chill and all the windows broke in the truck,” Thaddeus said. “So I grabbed one shoulder and (the grandson) grabbed the other shoulder. And I helped him escort his grandfather up through waist deep snow going up the hill.”
Once the first responders arrived, Thaddeus gave his statement to authorities and offered to share his video camera footage if needed. He also alerted Halvor Lines and its safety team about the incident.
His actions earned Thaddeus a TCA Highway Angel Award, which Thaddeus received in February from Halvor Lines CEO Jon Vinje.
“This is cool. I’m not going to lie. It’s nice to get some appreciation,” Thaddeus told WDIO. “I’m truly happy with Halvor Lines and the way I’m treated. I just hope one day I can find out how the man I helped is doing. If his family sees this, I hope they reach out.”
Thaddeus credited his paid CDL training through Halvor Lines for helping prepare him for the rescue. If you’re considering earning your Class A CDL and would like to get paid to earn while you learn, check out these resources on our website:
Is truck driving the right job for you?
Halvor Gold paid CDL training program
Commercial Learners Permits – state by state resources
