One Good Turn: Toyota Gives Hero Paramedic a New 4Runner
After climbing from the wreckage of his FJ Cruiser, Trey McDaniel snapped into action to help others.
“I can’t even find the words to describe how it felt. At first, I wasn’t even sure I survived,” said paramedic Trey McDaniel, and his recollection of the incident which left his FJ Cruiser demolished is harrowing.
It was just another day on the job for him, and the first responder was on his way to Fort Worth to assist with COVID-19 vaccinations. Then, a patch of black ice and an out-of-control 18-wheeler turned the stretch of Texas highway into a disaster area.
Everywhere I looked, I just saw more cars, and more people who needed help,” says McDaniel. “I heard people screaming to be rescued, which I’ll never forget. My adrenaline was pumping, and I just felt, as a paramedic, I had to do something. I’ve seen bad crashes before. But this was on a totally different level.
All told, over 100 vehicles were scatters across the accident scene, but even though McDaniel’s FJ was so badly damaged he had to crawl out the window, his drive to assist the injured and help bring order to the chaotic scene didn’t waver. It’s exactly the kind of instinct so many ordinary people rely on in times of need, and something that Toyota Motor North America President Tetsuo “Ted” Ogawa thought deserved to be rewarded.
As YotaTech members are well aware, Toyota no longer makes the FJ Cruiser. So after learning about McDaniel’s heroic actions, Ogawa wanted to replace his wrecked ride. Here’s what he said at the ceremony where he presented the gearhead and off-road enthusiast with a brand-new Lunar Rock 4Runner TRD Pro last month:
“Despite having freezing temperatures, when I first heard about your heroic action, my heart warmed up. Your story melted all our hearts at Toyota. Our company has a long-standing core value of respect and care for people. On behalf of all of us at Toyota, thank you from the bottom of our hearts. You are a true hero.”
Looking at the picture of that twisted FJ, it’s hard to believe that McDaniel walked away from the crash — and he’s well aware that the truck saved his live. “It did its job. And I’ll always be thankful… for the rest of my life,” he reflects. Now, it’s obviously great PR for Toyota to hook up a hero like this, but as a sentimental guy, I love stories like this, and I’m sure McDaniel is enjoying the hell of his new rig.
Photos: Toyota