LOUISVILLE, Ky. – David Zorn’s rescue of a police officer under attack on the side of the highway earned him the 2000 Goodyear North America Highway Hero Award, which was presented yesterday at the Mid-America Trucking Show.
Zorn, of Forest Park, Ga., and a driver for Consolidated Freightways Corp., was traveling through Norcross, Ga., when he saw a police officer being attacked on the side of the road. The suspect had pinned the officer and was trying to get his gun. However, when Zorn got out of his tractor-trailer to assist, the suspect fled.
Brandishing a large flashlight, Zorn pursued the suspect, caught him and held him until police arrived.
Tom Paulsen, president of Consolidated Freightways, said Zorn's actions reflect positively on the companyand the transportation industry.
"That Dave risked his own safety to help an officer in trouble is a testament to his bravery and character," Paulsen said. "We're proud of him and proud he's on our team."
Since the incident, Zorn has received several awards for his heroism. He has been named an honorary police officer for Gwinnett County, Ga., and county officials have also presented him with a proclamation that cites his heroic and selfless act.
Zorn was one of four professional truck drivers selected as finalists for Goodyear’s highway hero award. The finalists and their guests each received all-expense-paid trips to the Daytona 500 and the Mid-America Trucking Show.
The finalists were each presented with a $10,000 savings bond and an engraved plaque. Zorn also received a diamond ring identifying him as the National Highway Hero.