Seattle Area Tow Truck Driver Gets The Nod For "Tow Truck Driver Hall Of Fame"

CLINTON - A Clinton man that's been helping out stranded drivers for more than 60 years on Whidbey Island is headed to the hall of fame, the hall of fame of towing. Tow truck driver Gordon Simmons just hitched that honor for his service to the community.

If you've ever broken down or gotten stuck in a ditch on South Whidbey Island chances are Gordon Simmons was the guy who came to your rescue.

"Helped a lot of people, proud of it," said Simmons.

Gordon started his business way back in 1947, towing cars, trucks, buses, bulldozers, you name it he's towed it.

"We even had a beer truck that rolled over here down at the ferry dock one time, beer all over the place. We had to pick it all up. Of course they missed a few cases which they didn't care," said Simmons.

Then, there was the time that horse got stuck in a septic tank.

"The stuff was clear over his neck, we lifted him up and dropped him down and he started eating brush right away he was happy to get out of there," said Simmons.

For his tireless devotion to the community, AAA nominated Gordon to the 2010 class of the International Towing and Recovery Hall Of Fame in Tennessee. Yes, there's a tow truck driver hall of fame.

"Was I surprised? Yeah, I was surprised, you know me here in this little town of Clinton," said Simmons.

Even after 63 years of being in the tow truck business, Gordon says he has no plans of slowing down. He wants to keep driving his big rigs around the island.

"Oh, I love it, the tow trucks have been my hobby for all my life and I've enjoyed just what I'm doing," said Simmons.

Gordon says his new found fame won't go to his head. The next time you breakdown or say, your cow gets stranded on the beach Gordon will still be the guy who comes to the rescue.

It's a good thing Gordon doesn't plan on retiring just yet. He's in charge of two tow truck outfits, a garage, and auto parts store. But, he'll have to find someone to cover for him later this year. He'll be inducted into the towing hall of fame on September 18th in Chattanooga, Tennessee.