Thank you Highway Emergency Lane Patrol
2024-09-25
We are so grateful for our frontline workers who make traveling on the Tollway safer for all. The stories we hear from Tollway users, such as Coach Jim Love and the College of Lake County tennis team, show us just how great of an impact our roadside assistance workers have on our communities.
Here’s what Coach Love had to say about his experience during a moment of assistance with his team on the Tollway:
On Tuesday, April 16, 2024, I was travelling with the men’s tennis team from the College of Lake County. We had played a tennis match at Prairie State College and we were returning to Lake County on I-294 going north. The traffic was very heavy and was moving very quickly at the speed limit or over. The van we were driving had a tire blow-out while in this fast-moving, heavy traffic. Our head coach was able to pull the van off onto the shoulder of the road, but the shoulder was very narrow. The guard-rail was so close we couldn’t open the passenger door and the traffic so close to the driver’s door that it was very dangerous to try to open that door with the traffic flying by.
We called 911 and were directed to the tollway service. We explained as best where we were and our situation. We were in a van with two coaches and seven college students. We had a flat tire and it was dangerous to try to get out of the van. The tollway service said they would send someone to our aid.
Mr. Dockery in truck 104 arrived and parked behind us. He came up to the passenger window of the and introduced himself. He was very courteous and professional. We did not know the location of the tire jack, but Mr. Dockery worked until he found the jack, somewhat hidden in the back of the van. Mr. Dockery then changed the tire, with the traffic buzzing by and very little shoulder of the road for him to be on. He is a brave man.
When we offered him money for his services, Mr. Dockery informed us that he couldn’t accept it. I told him I would write or email to point out his excellent service. I can only apologize for my delay in writing to thank him and to let you know what a wonderful person he is. I cannot compliment him enough.
Please let Mr. Dockery how much we thank him and appreciated his valuable help. Please tell his colleagues how valuable he is.
We were fortunate to have his services. We were in real trouble without him.
Sincerely.
Jim Love
Assistant Tennis Coach
College of Lake County
Grayslake, IL