As shoppers have been furiously stocking up on supplies like groceries and toilet paper over the last month, it is easy for people to forget where those things come from beyond just the store shelf. In most cases, they are brought to the store, gas station, or even people’s home by a truck driver. These truck drivers got some special recognition on Friday in the form of a tasty meal organized by the Clarion Fire Department.
Over the last month, since concerns over coronavirus started to have widespread impact on everyday life, many industries have been affected. One of those industries has been trucking. Whether it is no-contact deliveries or slowdowns in business, truckers are working to weather the storm.
Especially affecting for truckers has been restaurant shutdowns, and in some cases, even truck stop closings. Melinda Anderson, vice president of Ennis Transportation Services of Clarion, says that she has heard from many drivers of difficult times on the road. “They have been saying that in some places, there isn’t any place to eat or stop.”
With most restaurants across the country closed to dining in, drive-thrus might be only option, but since you can’t drive a semi truck through a drive-thru, this creates difficulties. Many places don’t allow truckers to walk up to a drive-thru. Ennis trucker JJ Allen said that on a recent run to Ohio, he tried to eat at a McDonalds but couldn’t because of those rules.
It was because of these events that the Clarion Fire Department decided to take action. Jim Flurer, the department’s treasurer, said the idea came to him one night as he was struggling to sleep. He too had heard stories of truck stops shut down and the difficulties truckers were facing, especially finding meals, and knew he wanted to do something. “I just thought that this would be a wonderful opportunity to give back to those guys,” said Flurer. It wasn’t long before he had contacted his fellow firefighters and got the ball rolling.
So last Friday, under a brisk sunny sky, the Clarion FD set up their own drive-thru. The firemen manned the grill, flipping pork burgers and packaged them up in to-go style meals complete with chips, a candy bar and water. The location between Brothers Market and Hardees was perfect as it allowed the trucks to pull in, receive their bagged meal and drive on, all without having to get out of their rig. Most of the supplies for the meal were also donated or discounted.
The fire department was greeted by many happy faces as the trucks pulled through at a steady pace. Allen, who drove through for a meal with his son, said he thought the whole event “is pretty neat.” He admits the job has been tougher over the last month, so he says, “I appreciate the recognition. It’s great to see people care about us and go out on a limb.”
Mark Pittman, the firefighter who was mostly tasked with handing meals to the drivers, said they all expressed how grateful they were. “These guys were just very humbled by this and are just glad that their hard work is being noticed during these difficult times.”
Anderson of Ennis Trucking also added how great the event was. “This is very cool, and truckers are truly grateful for the meals. They are out there every day bringing us the goods we all depend on daily. We are blessed to be in a great community that truly recognizes this!"
In all, the Clarion Fire Department reported that they fed 100 truck drivers from far and wide. They were pleased with that turn out. Jim Flurer also added that the meal was so successful, they are thinking of offering it again in the near future. He confirmed, “It just makes everyone feel good to help and get help in a time of adversity, so we want to do all we can.”
