Hundreds attend tow truck procession honouring fallen operator

Nearly 300 trucks could be seen driving down Highway 401 through Kitchener on Saturday to honour a fallen tow truck operator. CTV's Colton Wiens reports.

Tow operators from across Waterloo Region and beyond are taking part in a memorial procession along Highway 401.

According to the Professional Towing Association of Ontario, the procession was scheduled for Saturday, with 250-300 trucks gathering at 135 Gateway Park Dr. in Kitchener before rolling out at 10:30 a.m.

“[It’s] kind of a memorial and a ride of respect,” said Gary Vandenheuvel, president of the Professional Towing Association of Ontario.

The planned procession comes one week after a Kitchener operator was killed on Highway 401 in a hit-and-run collision.

Oxford County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) said the 42-year-old man was helping a stranded motorist, near Oxford Road 3, when he was hit by a passing vehicle around 7:18 a.m. on Dec. 3.

The man was pronounced dead at the scene.

Later that same day, a vehicle of interest had been identified. Police said the vehicle is described as a commercial motor vehicle, with a blue coloured tractor and trailer, with a black tarp on top.

Investigators are requesting the public’s assistance in identifying the vehicle and its occupant(s).

Saturday’s planned route includes Tu-Lane Street, King Street East and Highway 401 westbound toward Oxford Road 2 in Woodstock. Drivers wishing to continue farther west may do so, while those returning to Waterloo Region are expected to rejoin eastbound lanes at Oxford Road 2.

“The OPP would like to express condolences to those who are mourning the loss of their loved one,” Derek Rogers, an OPP spokesperson said in an email to CTV News. “OPP West Region is monitoring today’s procession. The OPP will not provide a traffic escort but will closely monitor to ensure the safety of those involved and members of the motoring public and will maintain high visibility patrols in the vicinity of the involved vehicle(s). Everyone has the right to participate in protests and demonstrations that are lawful, peaceful and safe. The OPP strives to provide a safe and peaceful opportunity to exercise lawful rights while minimizing the impact on the traveling public.”

Organizers said registration is required for all participants, and only commercial tow trucks equipped with emergency lighting are permitted. Participants are reminded to follow all traffic laws, use the far-right lane and maintain safe distances throughout the procession.

“We’re here to show support for the family and friends of a fallen comrade,” said Al Pinheiro, towing manager at Active Towing. “The towing industry is tight-knit when it comes to these kind of tragedies.”

There have been four serious crashes along the stretch of Highway 401 between Ayr and Drumbo in just the last four weeks.

“There’s not a single operator that wouldn’t tell you they’ve had a close call out on these highways,” Vandenheuvel said.

Those incidents have renewed calls from emergency responders and towing professionals for motorists to slow down and move over when approaching roadside workers.

“The Ministry of Transportation (MTO), OPP, everybody’s involved in this,” Vandenheuvel explained. “MTO has been gracious and they’ve put on some slow down and move over signs on the highway. So, it’s really important that we do this. Winter season is starting to arrive now, and we really need to get the motoring public to understand that we’re out there. We just need that space to work.”