Local man recognized for accident free trucking

Photo submitted

John Reichel and wife Linda, center,with family and friends in St. James on the occasion of the three million mile accident free celebration, July 18. Walmart Transportation presented Reichel with a custom built new tractor unit to drive.
Photo submitted John Reichel and wife Linda, center,with family and friends in St. James on the occasion of the three million mile accident free celebration, July 18. Walmart Transportation presented Reichel with a custom built new tractor unit to drive.

It might have struck fear in the hearts of some to have a procession of police vehicles with lights flashing and sirens blaring coming toward them.

For John Reichel of McGirk, it was a special honor to have his brand new Peterbilt truck arrive escorted by Missouri Highway Patrolmen Lt. Bruce Fiske, other troopers and officers of the Phelps County Sheriff's Office and the St. James Police Department.

The occasion marked 3 million miles of accident-free driving.

"We had the privilege to celebrate with John "Donkey Tail" Reichel along with his wife, Linda, and numerous family members and friends as John accepted the keys to a brand new, custom-built, 2017 Peterbilt 579," said Rocky Griffith, general transportation manager, Walmart Private Fleet. "The weather was a typical hot and humid July day, but we were blessed by the high outpouring of support," he said.

Curt Bassett, regional maintenance manager, presented Reichel with the keys to the new tractor unit, and joins in the congratulations, along with the shop management team. Missouri State Rep. Tom Hurst, District 62, congratulated the safe driver. Hurst and Tammy Corrigan presented Reichel with a resolution from the Missouri House of Representatives and the Missouri State Senate.

In addition, the event was attended by St. James Mayor Jim White and St. James City Administrator Harold Selby, MO Trucking Association President and CEO Tom Crawford, MO DOT Director of Motor Carrier Services Scott Marion and DC 6069 General Manager Kent Morris. Each congratulated Reichel for the performance that John has displayed since his hire date in 1988.

"Achieving a milestone of 3 million miles accident free is unprecedented in the trucking industry, and it was an honor to celebrate with John in recognition of his accomplishment," Griffith said. "It was stated by one of our visitors during the presentation that the trucking industry needs examples like John to share with the public how professional the men and women are in this industry. I agree. We are privileged to have the level of expertise at Walmart that is found in our driver group. I would continue to say that we have a special group in Region 5, but the best of the fleet are domiciled at St. James."

Drivers such as Reichel are in great demand within the industry as mentors and trainers for younger drivers, especially as the industry finds itself in greater demand for new driver recruitment. To accomplish 3 million accident-free miles is a tremendous career milestone.

"I am honored that we have the privilege of celebrating this achievement with the Reichels," Griffith said. "The Private Fleet has the 'best of the best'; John is in that small, distinguished, 1 percent group that is recognized as the best of the 'best of the best.' Again, congratulations John! I look forward to seeing that new Peterbilt 579 with your name on it rolling through Missouri for years to come."

story text created on Monday 7/25/2016 at 8:27:32 am by David Wilson
story text modified on Tuesday 7/26/2016