A different kind of hero
WHILE IT’S NATURAL TO ASSUME THAT THE TruckDriverHero award recognises only deeds of courage and coolness when faced with trauma on the road, that ain’t necessarily so.
The specification for the award is unequivocal, explaining that it’s “an accolade that recognises drivers who have contributed significantly to the safety of others while working, or in some other way have gone beyond the call of duty for their employer or the industry as a whole.”
Worrick Norton, this month’s award winner, fits that criteria to the letter – working systematically to enhance the efficiency of his work…..and going above and beyond in helping newcomers to the business.
One such newcomer is Gary Burrowes, who nominated Worrick for the award. A semi-retired civil servant, Gary has for the past two milk seasons also been a casual relief driver with Temuka
Transport, mostly handling the night shift in Worrick’s Volvo FH16 on a Christchurch to Hokitika run.
Gary admits he was a total greenhorn to the trucking life when he first met Worrick at a golf tournament and was encouraged by him to get his Class 5 and do some relief driving.
It was very much a matter of in at the deep end – guiding an HPMV milk tanker combination over the challenging trans-alpine route is not for the fainthearted – but Worrick threw himself into the task of bringing the newbie up to scratch.
Detailed and patient tuition, much of it in his spare time, ensured that Gary was soon flying solo – something that previously he couldn’t have seen himself doing.
What impresses him is Worrick’s professionalism and dedication to doing the most efficient job he can: “His driving is faultless, always defensive and courteous. His fuel economy readings are outstanding, his truck is immaculately presented and maintained.