The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company has named Joseph Stanekenas, a professional driver for General Transport, as the winner of its 42nd Goodyear Highway Hero Award. Stanekenas was honoured for helping rescue a fellow truck driver from a burning vehicle.
Goodyear announced the award on October 21, 2026, from its headquarters in Akron, Ohio.
A rescue at a burning truck
Stanekenas came upon a serious highway crash in which a semi-truck had hit another trailer and caught fire. He parked his own rig right away and ran to help the driver, who was trapped inside the burning truck.
Fellow commercial driver Charles Johnson joined him. Stanekenas led the rescue despite the dangerous conditions, and the two men pulled the driver out of the vehicle and moved him to safety. Goodyear credited Stanekenas' quick first response, and the willingness of both men to put themselves at risk for a stranger, with saving the driver's life.
Joseph has been a driver for General Transport for four years and is always willing to go above and beyond in every aspect. It is a pleasure to have Joseph as part of our fleet, but our honor to nominate his heroic actions through Goodyear’s Highway Hero Award to save a stranger’s life.
— Karly Becker, Director of Safety, General Transport
Recognizing professional drivers since 1983
Goodyear established the Highway Hero Award in 1983. It recognizes professional truck drivers in the U.S. and Canada who show exceptional courage and selflessness on the job, and the company describes it as one way it acknowledges the contribution of the commercial trucking industry and the drivers who keep North America's roads, businesses and communities moving.
Professional truck drivers keep goods and services moving across North America every day, but their impact often extends far beyond the freight they haul. Joseph and Charles demonstrated extraordinary courage and selflessness when they stopped to help a fellow driver in a life-threatening situation. Their actions made a difference, and we are proud to recognize their bravery.
— Joe Stuglis, Vice President, Commercial Sales North America, Goodyear
A cash prize and a Blimp ride
As the 42nd recipient, Stanekenas will receive a cash prize and a ride aboard the Goodyear Blimp. In recognition of the teamwork behind the rescue, Johnson has also been invited to take part in the Blimp experience.
About Goodyear
Goodyear is one of the world's largest tire companies. It employs about 60,000 people and manufactures its products in 48 facilities in 19 countries. Its two Innovation Centers, in Akron, Ohio, and Colmar-Berg, Luxembourg, develop the company's products and services. More information is available on the Goodyear corporate website.
