Rolling memorial held for Kentucky tow trucker killed in line of duty

BATH COUNTY, Ky. (FOX 56) —It is not normal to see dozens of tow trucks gathered at a gas station, but drivers were hoping this show of support would have a lot of pull.

It has been one year since Troy Caldwell lost his life while doing what he did for three decades, towing vehicles and helping people.

“It hurts, and for everybody to come together like this is amazing,” said Caldwell’s daughter Desiree Lykins.

A semi-truck driver hit him on I-64 near Bath County after failing to move over while Troy was loading a car.

“Just me and him, you know, two employee business and we’d done everything together,” said Jerry’s Towing owner Kenneth Cantrell.

Cantrell spent five years in business with Caldwell and was not surprised by the large turnout.

“You see just how close the tow companies are and what a tight organization and how people are and how they come together in a time of need,” Cantrell said.

He and others said that the time of need includes a push for legislation known as Troy’s Law.

“The towing industry is currently known as the highway janitors, but the janitors are just as important as the CEOs,” Bubba Johnson, owner and operator of Bubba’s Towing and Recovery, said.

Troy’s Law would allow tow truck drivers to have blue lights on the back of their trucks with the intent of increasing their visibility and alerting other drivers to move over. Some people have asked how this will differ from law enforcement vehicles.

“They can only use it when they’re stationary, not when they are moving, and I think that’s a big difference, and it’s only on the back of their vehicles,” he continued. “One tragedy like that would be worthy passing this law,” said State Rep. Richard White.

As they left the gas station, drivers hopped on the highway to pay their respects in a rolling tribute.

“Just what a good man he was and a good father and grandfather this world lost,” Johnson said.

Those who came out today said the energy to get this bill passed won’t stop here, and they hope lawmakers are taking notice of just how important it is, as it can help save a life.