State Rep. Keith Greiner presented the citation, recognizing Buckwalter’s quick response after witnessing the rollover on April 3 along Colorado Route 34 near Kersey.

Buckwalter said he was honored to receive the recognition.

“I am very honored to accept and receive this award,” he wrote in a social media post. “In the words of Keith, too many times the good deeds of truck drivers are often overlooked. My skills and experience from the fire service were critical to this life save.”

Rescue Began Moments After Tanker Rolled Over

Buckwalter was driving through northern Colorado around midnight when he noticed a tanker truck several lengths ahead suddenly leave the roadway during windy conditions.

“I saw the sparks, a pole flying in the air, a big cloud of dust — and that tanker was now lying on its side,” Buckwalter recalled.

After bringing his own truck to a stop, he immediately ran back to the crash scene to assist the driver.

The tanker driver told Buckwalter he was transporting hazardous materials and initially said he was unable to exit the cab. Moments later, the driver became unresponsive before regaining consciousness.

Buckwalter was able to help the driver escape from the overturned truck before emergency responders arrived.

First Responder Experience Proved Valuable

After helping the driver to safety, Buckwalter remained at the scene and allowed the injured driver to use his cellphone to contact both his employer and his wife while waiting for emergency crews.

He later provided a statement to responding law enforcement officers and explained that he serves as both a volunteer firefighter and emergency medical technician in Pennsylvania.

According to Buckwalter, responding officers praised his quick actions and willingness to help despite the potential hazards associated with the overturned tanker.

Recognition Follows Earlier Honors

The Pennsylvania Citation Award is the latest recognition Buckwalter has received for his actions during the Colorado crash.

Reflecting on the incident, Buckwalter said he believes he was meant to be at the scene that night.

“I’m convinced God had me on that road for that reason — to be there for a fellow driver,” he said.

He also expressed gratitude for the opportunity to help and said he continues to pray for the other driver, his family, and employer.

The TDUSA editorial team creates practical, driver-focused content covering trucking news, industry updates, safety, regulations, and career information for professional truck drivers across the United States. Each article is built to reflect real-world experience, industry developments, and information drivers can use on and off the road.

Last Updated: August 25, 2026

Source: The Trucker

Image Source: Lamar Buckwalter

The post Pennsylvania Trucker Honored by State Lawmakers for Heroic Rescue in Colorado appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

The Truckload Carriers Association recently named Lamar Buckwalter, a professional driver with Buckwalter Trucking LLC, a TCA Highway Angel, following the April 2 crash on Route 34 during high-wind conditions affecting commercial vehicles across the region.

Driver Saw Tanker Lose Control During Wind Advisory

Buckwalter was traveling eastbound around 2 a.m. when he saw a tanker truck several vehicle lengths ahead suddenly veer off course before overturning.

The crash sent sparks, debris, and dust into the roadway as the tanker rolled.

“I’ve always believed that God puts us in the right places at the right times. Tonight, he proved this once again,” said Buckwalter. “All I could hear was the driver screaming, ‘Get me out of here, I’m hauling hazmat!’”

After stopping safely, Buckwalter ran toward the overturned truck and made contact with the injured driver inside the cab.

According to TCA, the driver initially told Buckwalter he was trapped but not pinned before becoming unresponsive moments later.

Driver Pulled from Overturned Tanker

Buckwalter broke through the windshield and pulled the driver from the overturned truck while debris and leaking engine fluids surrounded the wreckage.

The driver regained consciousness after being removed from the cab. Because the tanker was carrying hazardous materials, both men moved farther away from the vehicle while another motorist contacted emergency responders.

Buckwalter remained with the injured driver, who suffered bruising and head injuries, until first responders arrived at the scene.

TCA said Buckwalter later accompanied the driver in the ambulance so he could contact family members and his employer, and then provided a statement to law enforcement investigators.

“The officer told me he was very impressed with how quickly everything happened,” said Buckwalter. “I just did what I hope anyone else would do in that situation.”

Highway Angel Recognition Highlights Actions At Crash Scene

The TCA Highway Angel program recognizes truck drivers for acts of courage, courtesy, and public service while working on the road.

The association said nearly 1,500 professional drivers have received Highway Angel recognition since the program launched in 1997.

The Truck Drivers USA editorial team creates practical, driver-focused content covering industry topics, job trends, and real-world decisions that impact drivers at every stage of their careers. Each article is written to provide clear, accurate information that drivers can use.

Last updated: May 15, 2026

Source: Truckers News

Image Source: TCA, Truckers News, Lamar Buckwalter

The post TCA Honors Colorado Driver After HazMat Tanker Rescue Near Greeley appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.