The International Towing & Recovery Hall of Fame has inducted five towing industry veterans into its Hall of Fame.
For more than 30 years, the Hall of Fame in Chattanooga, Tenn., has inducted members of the profession who have distinguished themselves by substantial contributions and outstanding service to the towing and recovery industry.
This year’s honorees are:
WILLIAM BYERS, Rochester, Michigan – Byers heads Byers Wrecker Service, a family-owned firm that now includes a third generation. Byers was a volunteer firefighter and recently founded Move Over Michigan, a nonprofit organization aimed at educating motorists about the importance of Michigan’s Emergency Vehicle Caution Law.
BETTY CORNWELL, Huntingtown, Maryland – Cornwell has spent over 45 years in the towing and recovery industry, during which she helped raise industry standards both locally and nationally and set a shining example for professional ethics. She currently is the executive director of the Towing & Recovery Professionals of Maryland.
DENNIS HARRIS, Ray Harris Towing, Greensboro, North Carolina – Harris is a second-generation towing company owner and former president of the Towing & Recovery Professionals of North Carolina. He invented the Mobile Assist Tractor Transporter (MATT), allowing tractor-trailers to be towed facing forward and without disturbing the drive shaft.
STEVEN SEDBERRY, Buddy’s Wrecker Service, Inc., Union City, Tennessee – Sedberry is president of the family-owned firm that started out as an Esso service station in 1963 until Sedberry convinced his dad to add a wrecker in 1975, spurring the birth of a 42-year-old towing and recovery company.
PATRICK WINER, Worldwide Equipment Sales LLC, Rockdale, Illinois – Winer, president of sales and marketing of this towing equipment distributor, also brings joy to children each Christmas season with the Tow Trucks for Tots initiative now celebrating its tenth year.
