Andrew Smith, heavy wrecker operator for HJ Towing & Recovery and firefighter, was killed when a tractor-trailer driver failed to move over for him while he was assisting a disabled pickup truck on Route 581 westbound around Mile Marker 7.0 in Lemoyne PA. The accident occured just after midnight on January 4th, 2012. Andy was loading a Dodge Ram pickup onto a rollback when tractor-trailer, driven by a 63-year old from NY, struck and killed him. The truck was so close he took the mirror off the rollback. Andy leaves behind a son, Chandler who was 3 years old at the time of the accident.
Andy's death impacted every tow operator, police officer, firefighter, and anyone else who knows the dangers of working along side a busy interstate. In most states it is a law to move over or slow down for emergency personel working on the highway, however many people are not aware of this law. According to the National Safety Commission, more than 71% of Americans have not heard of "Move Over" laws. We hope Andy's story will help lower that number and people will remember to Slow Down and Move Over for anyone on the side of the road. Tow truck operators, police, fire, EMS, and even just someone changing their tire on the highway. Please give us space!
PA Steer Clear Law
Our Tribute
Andy's Obituary
Andrew C. "Opie" Smith, 23, of Perdix, passed away Wednesday, January 4th, 2012 as the result of a traffic accident in Cumberland County.
He was a heavy wrecker and tow truck operator for HJ Towing & Recovery, Inc., New Kingstown, PA. A graduate of Susquenita High School, Class of 2007. A member of the Perdix Fire Company; A sprint car racer, who loved shooting pool, bowling and qualified for the Junior Olumpics in bowling.
Andrew is survived by a son, Chandler Gage Smith. His mother and step father: Gigi and Douglas Smith, JR. His father and step mother: James M. and Nancy Smith. Four sisters, Montana Cutter, Jessica Montoya, Ashley McDade, Candie Smith, four brothers, James M. Smith II, Edward G. Lowery, Scott A McDade, and Gerald L. Smith Jr. Grandparents Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Musser, Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Rhoads and Barbara Smith. Great Grandmothers Claudia Scully and Betty Rother.
He was preceded in death by a step father: Daniel B McDade, a grandmother: Carol A. Martin and grandfather: Harold W. Smith III.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 10, 2012 in the Wesley United Methodist Church, 450 Sylvan Street, Marysville, with Pastor Dennis Moore officiating.
Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., on Tuesday in the church. Burial will be in Evergreen Cemetary, Duncannon, PA.
Arrangements are entrusted to the Michael J. Shalonis Funeral Home, Marysville.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made for his son Chandler to the Perdix Fire Company, 2 Firehouse Road, Duncannon, PA 17020
Photo Gallery
Letter to Wall Of The Fallen
On February 6, 2012, Heidi wrote a letter to the International Towing & Recovery Museum in Chattanooga Tennessee on behalf of Andy to be included on the Wall Of The Fallen.
PLEASE BE ADVISED: This letter contains some graphic details of the accident. Some names have been changed and/or removed to preserve the identity of parties involved.
Dear Wall of the Fallen Board of Directors:
I would like to introduce myself- my name is Heidi Richcreek, President of HJ Towing & Recovery, Inc. located in Landisburg and Carlisle, Pennsylvania. I am writing today on behalf of my coworker and friend, Andrew C. Smith, to be included on The Wall of the Fallen. I have also enclosed the application for the Survivor Fund for Monetary Assistance so his son, Chandler who just turned three, would be able to benefit from your program. On the application, you have requested information regarding the accident- they are as follows.
On Tuesday, January 3, 2012 Andrew started work around 2:30PM because we were very busy that day. He normally works second shift which is 3:00pm to 11:00pm. Andrew and his coworker, Bob, were dispatched for a company to tow a truck and trailer from Bedford to the companies terminal in Shippensburg. Bob and Andrew departed around 11:30pm with Andrew arriving at the Carlisle shop and Bob heading toward the Landisburg shop. at 11:30PM Jake (the dispatcher at the time) dispatched Andrew to Route 581 Westbound for a disable Dodge pickup with one passenger, a man from Mechanicsburg, for AAA. Andrew called Jake back around 11:45PM because the vehicle was not in the exaxt location that AAA had given us and eventually Andrew came upon the vehicle.
When Andrew arrived on scene, as always with Andy- "safety first", his lights were turned on and Andrew went to work. The Dodge pickup was loaded onto the bed of the GMC rollback and Andrew was at the rear controls- only seconds away from securing the bed and leaving the scene. In fact the bed only needed to go four more inches to be secured. Unfortunately for Andrew, those were devasting seconds that took his life. The AAA customer explained the next day that a (NAME REMOVED) truck and trailer driven by a New York man never "moved over". In fact, there were no other vehicles on the road at that time. If the truck driver would have moved over Andrew would be here today- but instead, he did not and the truck hit Andrew at the controls, sideswiped the rollback, took off the driver side mirror, damaged the front end of the rollback and the wrost damage of all was when Andrew was laying 15 feet in front of the rollback on the road- lifeless. The AAA customer stayed with Andrew and called 911 for an ambulance. No money or piece of equipment could ever compare to losing our friend and coworker. It was estimated by the state police that Andrew was hit around 12:07AM on Wednesday, January 4th, 2012.
The state police contacted Jake and I (Jake is my husband and we are owners of HJ Towing) and arrived at our house. We could not believe our ears and literally dropped to the floor. This could not be real- this was just a dream. The state police ahad to keep repeating these awful words to us until it finally sunk in. When we somewhat gathered our thoughts we had to make some decisions. Jake drove to the scen with one of our other drivers to tow our rollback back to the shop. Coincidentally, this same driver was rerouted about 1/4 of a mile from the scen and could see all of Andrew's lights on the rollback and did not even know this his friend and coworker was lying on the road- covered up by a blanket. Our rollback was checked and found to be legal and safe, as well as Andrew's work. The state police asked me to ride with them to Duncannon to inform Andrew's mother and family of the tragedy. This was the most horrifying night of my life- having to tell a mother that her son was taken way too soon.
The next day was very solemn at HJ Towing. My guys were very shocked and upset as I told them one by one of the unfortunate tragedy. Yes, that is what it is- a tragedy- a young, vibrant, hard-working, funny, always eager and ready to go attitude with such a zest for life 23-year-old man who had so much more to offer to the world and he was taken way too soon. Andrew was always in a good mood and would always make you laugh. The worst part about this is that Andrew left being a 3-year-old son- Chandler- who will never know his father the way he should have.
Andrew's services were held Tuesday, January 10, 2012 in Wesley United Methodist Church in Marysville and he was buried in Evergreen Cemetary in Duncannon. I put a logo on the back of his favorite wrecker, "Shrek", a 1995 Peterbilt 35-ton wrecker that states "Now You're Running God's Wrecker" with his picture beside the saying. We also put In Loving Memory of Andy on the side of the bunk of Shrek. Jake built and welded a "carrier" to transport Andy's casket near the wheel lift so Andy could take his last ride in his favorite wrecker.
Immediately following the accident, the family of towing was absolutely amazing. We received calls of concern, condolences and offers to help us in any way from towing companies all over Pennsylvania. In fact, we had a convoy of tow trucks from Pennsylvania, Maryland, and even Virginia that followed Shrek in support of Andrew. The support was overwhelming and also comforting at the time. I refused four interviews from local news stations at Andrew's funeral because at the time I did not feel it was appropriate. However, the fifth request I did not refuse because the owner of one of our towing neighbors stated "Heidi, do this for Andy". I slowly turned around and did a television interview and hopefully this will get the point across for all motorists- the "Move Over Law". I stressed the importance of highway safety for emergency vehicles because we are there to help you. I must say, we had numerous calls regarding this law and comments from people in the community. In fact, while eating at a local restaurant a waitress recognized me from the interview and made a point to come and talk to me about how she was never aware of this law and how she always makes a point to be safer. Even though the awareness of this law is too late for Andrew, hopefully it will save another life or lives- this would be what Andrew would have wanted.
In closing, I would like to thank the Board of Directors for having a "Wall Of the Fallen" to honor all of those tow truck drivers taken in the line of duty- they deserve it. We miss Andrew's laugh and bright smile everyday and will never forget our brother who was taken too soon.
Sincerly,
Heidi Richcreek, President
Andy's Memorial Video (submitted by Amber L.)
Related Articles
Tow Truck Drivers Face Deadly Hazards (Patriot-News)
Friends and Family Mourn Tow Truck Driver (Patriot-News)
Tow truck drivers death highlights need to follow law (Patriot-News)
Death highlights danger face by tow truck drivers (abc 27)
Coroner Identifies Tow Truck Driver Killed (WGAL News)
Andrew C. Smith funeral (Penn Live Photos)
Parade of tow trucks gathered as tribute (abc 27)
Tow truck drivers from across PA attend funeral (VIDEO-WFMZ)
Related Links
Respect Tow Truck Operators (Facebook Page)
The Towman's Prayer
Almighty God, Whose great power and eternal wisdom embrace the universe; watch over all those in towing.
Protect them from harm in the performance of their duty on our roadways all around the world.
We pray, help them keep safe both day and night.
We recommend them to your loving care because their position is dangerous.
Grant them unending strength and expertise in their daily assignments.
Dear God, look after your brothers and sisters.
Grant them your almighty protection and unite them safely with their families at the end of the day.
AMEN.
Tow Truck drivers killed in the line of duty in 2012
Courtesy of Respect Tow Truck Operators
January 2nd - Joseph Ricciardelli - Boynton Beach, FL
January 4th - Andrew Smith - Duncannon, PA
January 17th - Paul Rocheleau - LaSalle, Ontario, CANADA
February 15th - Geoffrey Clark - Sydney, Australia
February 27th - Claude Cash - Madison Heights, VA
March 20th - David Robinson Jr. - Auburn, CA
March 30th - Jesus Salcedo - Colton, CA
April 5th - Adam Moody - Pontiac, MI
April 12th - James Coffey - Timmonsville, SC
April 17th - David Bense Sr. - St. Louis, MO
May 4th - Jose Martinez - Dallas, TX
May 6th - Corddaryl Henley - Buffalo, NY
May 10th - Max Vallejo - Chicago, IL
May 18th - Randall Littlejohn - Elk Mountain, WY
June 28th - Charles P. Oswald - Schnecksville, PA
July 7th - Howard White - Bagdad, KY
July 9th - Scott Hinchliffe - Madeira Beach, FL
July 14th - Herol Sinong - Serian, Malaysia
July 21st - Terry McCart - Jacksonville, FL
July 24th - Billy Wayne Wooten - Greenville, TX
July 27th - Travis Lee Danner - San Antonio, TX
July 28th - Charles Rash Sr. - Humble, TX
August 1st - Winston Gant - Chattanooga, TN
August 27th - Blake Gresham - Smithville, MO
August 30th - Gregory Alan Parker - Picayune, MS
September 9th - Cory Salisbury - Amherstburg, Ontario, CANADA
September 21st - Clifton Scott - Kansas City, MO
September 29th - Stany Noiset - Germany
September 29th - William Houck - Columbus, OH
October 6th - James Johnson - North Bend, OH
October 6th - Ken Kallmeyer - Villa Hills, KY
October 31st - David Scarborough - Woodland Mills, TN
November 4th - John Junior Colville - Wilmington, NC
November 19th - Larry Schofield - Gillette, WY
November 20th - Todd Showell - Sumter, SC
November 24th - Timothy Kimble - Birmingham, ATL
December 8th - Shaun Riddle - San Diego, CA
December 8th - Faapuna Manu - Long Beach, CA
December 10th - Napoleon Ballard III - Keystone Heights, FL
December 14th - Randy Hartwig - Jones County, IA
December 16th - Jason Halstead - Snoqualmie Pass, WA
Andy's death impacted every tow operator, police officer, firefighter, and anyone else who knows the dangers of working along side a busy interstate. In most states it is a law to move over or slow down for emergency personel working on the highway, however many people are not aware of this law. According to the National Safety Commission, more than 71% of Americans have not heard of "Move Over" laws. We hope Andy's story will help lower that number and people will remember to Slow Down and Move Over for anyone on the side of the road. Tow truck operators, police, fire, EMS, and even just someone changing their tire on the highway. Please give us space!
PA Steer Clear Law
Our Tribute
Andy's Obituary
Andrew C. "Opie" Smith, 23, of Perdix, passed away Wednesday, January 4th, 2012 as the result of a traffic accident in Cumberland County.
He was a heavy wrecker and tow truck operator for HJ Towing & Recovery, Inc., New Kingstown, PA. A graduate of Susquenita High School, Class of 2007. A member of the Perdix Fire Company; A sprint car racer, who loved shooting pool, bowling and qualified for the Junior Olumpics in bowling.
Andrew is survived by a son, Chandler Gage Smith. His mother and step father: Gigi and Douglas Smith, JR. His father and step mother: James M. and Nancy Smith. Four sisters, Montana Cutter, Jessica Montoya, Ashley McDade, Candie Smith, four brothers, James M. Smith II, Edward G. Lowery, Scott A McDade, and Gerald L. Smith Jr. Grandparents Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Musser, Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Rhoads and Barbara Smith. Great Grandmothers Claudia Scully and Betty Rother.
He was preceded in death by a step father: Daniel B McDade, a grandmother: Carol A. Martin and grandfather: Harold W. Smith III.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 10, 2012 in the Wesley United Methodist Church, 450 Sylvan Street, Marysville, with Pastor Dennis Moore officiating.
Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., on Tuesday in the church. Burial will be in Evergreen Cemetary, Duncannon, PA.
Arrangements are entrusted to the Michael J. Shalonis Funeral Home, Marysville.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made for his son Chandler to the Perdix Fire Company, 2 Firehouse Road, Duncannon, PA 17020
Photo Gallery
Letter to Wall Of The Fallen
On February 6, 2012, Heidi wrote a letter to the International Towing & Recovery Museum in Chattanooga Tennessee on behalf of Andy to be included on the Wall Of The Fallen.
PLEASE BE ADVISED: This letter contains some graphic details of the accident. Some names have been changed and/or removed to preserve the identity of parties involved.
Dear Wall of the Fallen Board of Directors:
I would like to introduce myself- my name is Heidi Richcreek, President of HJ Towing & Recovery, Inc. located in Landisburg and Carlisle, Pennsylvania. I am writing today on behalf of my coworker and friend, Andrew C. Smith, to be included on The Wall of the Fallen. I have also enclosed the application for the Survivor Fund for Monetary Assistance so his son, Chandler who just turned three, would be able to benefit from your program. On the application, you have requested information regarding the accident- they are as follows.
On Tuesday, January 3, 2012 Andrew started work around 2:30PM because we were very busy that day. He normally works second shift which is 3:00pm to 11:00pm. Andrew and his coworker, Bob, were dispatched for a company to tow a truck and trailer from Bedford to the companies terminal in Shippensburg. Bob and Andrew departed around 11:30pm with Andrew arriving at the Carlisle shop and Bob heading toward the Landisburg shop. at 11:30PM Jake (the dispatcher at the time) dispatched Andrew to Route 581 Westbound for a disable Dodge pickup with one passenger, a man from Mechanicsburg, for AAA. Andrew called Jake back around 11:45PM because the vehicle was not in the exaxt location that AAA had given us and eventually Andrew came upon the vehicle.
When Andrew arrived on scene, as always with Andy- "safety first", his lights were turned on and Andrew went to work. The Dodge pickup was loaded onto the bed of the GMC rollback and Andrew was at the rear controls- only seconds away from securing the bed and leaving the scene. In fact the bed only needed to go four more inches to be secured. Unfortunately for Andrew, those were devasting seconds that took his life. The AAA customer explained the next day that a (NAME REMOVED) truck and trailer driven by a New York man never "moved over". In fact, there were no other vehicles on the road at that time. If the truck driver would have moved over Andrew would be here today- but instead, he did not and the truck hit Andrew at the controls, sideswiped the rollback, took off the driver side mirror, damaged the front end of the rollback and the wrost damage of all was when Andrew was laying 15 feet in front of the rollback on the road- lifeless. The AAA customer stayed with Andrew and called 911 for an ambulance. No money or piece of equipment could ever compare to losing our friend and coworker. It was estimated by the state police that Andrew was hit around 12:07AM on Wednesday, January 4th, 2012.
The state police contacted Jake and I (Jake is my husband and we are owners of HJ Towing) and arrived at our house. We could not believe our ears and literally dropped to the floor. This could not be real- this was just a dream. The state police ahad to keep repeating these awful words to us until it finally sunk in. When we somewhat gathered our thoughts we had to make some decisions. Jake drove to the scen with one of our other drivers to tow our rollback back to the shop. Coincidentally, this same driver was rerouted about 1/4 of a mile from the scen and could see all of Andrew's lights on the rollback and did not even know this his friend and coworker was lying on the road- covered up by a blanket. Our rollback was checked and found to be legal and safe, as well as Andrew's work. The state police asked me to ride with them to Duncannon to inform Andrew's mother and family of the tragedy. This was the most horrifying night of my life- having to tell a mother that her son was taken way too soon.
The next day was very solemn at HJ Towing. My guys were very shocked and upset as I told them one by one of the unfortunate tragedy. Yes, that is what it is- a tragedy- a young, vibrant, hard-working, funny, always eager and ready to go attitude with such a zest for life 23-year-old man who had so much more to offer to the world and he was taken way too soon. Andrew was always in a good mood and would always make you laugh. The worst part about this is that Andrew left being a 3-year-old son- Chandler- who will never know his father the way he should have.
Andrew's services were held Tuesday, January 10, 2012 in Wesley United Methodist Church in Marysville and he was buried in Evergreen Cemetary in Duncannon. I put a logo on the back of his favorite wrecker, "Shrek", a 1995 Peterbilt 35-ton wrecker that states "Now You're Running God's Wrecker" with his picture beside the saying. We also put In Loving Memory of Andy on the side of the bunk of Shrek. Jake built and welded a "carrier" to transport Andy's casket near the wheel lift so Andy could take his last ride in his favorite wrecker.
Immediately following the accident, the family of towing was absolutely amazing. We received calls of concern, condolences and offers to help us in any way from towing companies all over Pennsylvania. In fact, we had a convoy of tow trucks from Pennsylvania, Maryland, and even Virginia that followed Shrek in support of Andrew. The support was overwhelming and also comforting at the time. I refused four interviews from local news stations at Andrew's funeral because at the time I did not feel it was appropriate. However, the fifth request I did not refuse because the owner of one of our towing neighbors stated "Heidi, do this for Andy". I slowly turned around and did a television interview and hopefully this will get the point across for all motorists- the "Move Over Law". I stressed the importance of highway safety for emergency vehicles because we are there to help you. I must say, we had numerous calls regarding this law and comments from people in the community. In fact, while eating at a local restaurant a waitress recognized me from the interview and made a point to come and talk to me about how she was never aware of this law and how she always makes a point to be safer. Even though the awareness of this law is too late for Andrew, hopefully it will save another life or lives- this would be what Andrew would have wanted.
In closing, I would like to thank the Board of Directors for having a "Wall Of the Fallen" to honor all of those tow truck drivers taken in the line of duty- they deserve it. We miss Andrew's laugh and bright smile everyday and will never forget our brother who was taken too soon.
Sincerly,
Heidi Richcreek, President
Andy's Memorial Video (submitted by Amber L.)
Related Articles
Tow Truck Drivers Face Deadly Hazards (Patriot-News)
Friends and Family Mourn Tow Truck Driver (Patriot-News)
Tow truck drivers death highlights need to follow law (Patriot-News)
Death highlights danger face by tow truck drivers (abc 27)
Coroner Identifies Tow Truck Driver Killed (WGAL News)
Andrew C. Smith funeral (Penn Live Photos)
Parade of tow trucks gathered as tribute (abc 27)
Tow truck drivers from across PA attend funeral (VIDEO-WFMZ)
Related Links
Respect Tow Truck Operators (Facebook Page)
The Towman's Prayer
Almighty God, Whose great power and eternal wisdom embrace the universe; watch over all those in towing.
Protect them from harm in the performance of their duty on our roadways all around the world.
We pray, help them keep safe both day and night.
We recommend them to your loving care because their position is dangerous.
Grant them unending strength and expertise in their daily assignments.
Dear God, look after your brothers and sisters.
Grant them your almighty protection and unite them safely with their families at the end of the day.
AMEN.
Tow Truck drivers killed in the line of duty in 2012
Courtesy of Respect Tow Truck Operators
January 2nd - Joseph Ricciardelli - Boynton Beach, FL
January 4th - Andrew Smith - Duncannon, PA
January 17th - Paul Rocheleau - LaSalle, Ontario, CANADA
February 15th - Geoffrey Clark - Sydney, Australia
February 27th - Claude Cash - Madison Heights, VA
March 20th - David Robinson Jr. - Auburn, CA
March 30th - Jesus Salcedo - Colton, CA
April 5th - Adam Moody - Pontiac, MI
April 12th - James Coffey - Timmonsville, SC
April 17th - David Bense Sr. - St. Louis, MO
May 4th - Jose Martinez - Dallas, TX
May 6th - Corddaryl Henley - Buffalo, NY
May 10th - Max Vallejo - Chicago, IL
May 18th - Randall Littlejohn - Elk Mountain, WY
June 28th - Charles P. Oswald - Schnecksville, PA
July 7th - Howard White - Bagdad, KY
July 9th - Scott Hinchliffe - Madeira Beach, FL
July 14th - Herol Sinong - Serian, Malaysia
July 21st - Terry McCart - Jacksonville, FL
July 24th - Billy Wayne Wooten - Greenville, TX
July 27th - Travis Lee Danner - San Antonio, TX
July 28th - Charles Rash Sr. - Humble, TX
August 1st - Winston Gant - Chattanooga, TN
August 27th - Blake Gresham - Smithville, MO
August 30th - Gregory Alan Parker - Picayune, MS
September 9th - Cory Salisbury - Amherstburg, Ontario, CANADA
September 21st - Clifton Scott - Kansas City, MO
September 29th - Stany Noiset - Germany
September 29th - William Houck - Columbus, OH
October 6th - James Johnson - North Bend, OH
October 6th - Ken Kallmeyer - Villa Hills, KY
October 31st - David Scarborough - Woodland Mills, TN
November 4th - John Junior Colville - Wilmington, NC
November 19th - Larry Schofield - Gillette, WY
November 20th - Todd Showell - Sumter, SC
November 24th - Timothy Kimble - Birmingham, ATL
December 8th - Shaun Riddle - San Diego, CA
December 8th - Faapuna Manu - Long Beach, CA
December 10th - Napoleon Ballard III - Keystone Heights, FL
December 14th - Randy Hartwig - Jones County, IA
December 16th - Jason Halstead - Snoqualmie Pass, WA