The countrywide procession follows a custom designed casket to represent the lives of first responder lost in highway accidents.
Burlington County Sheriff Jean Stanfield has announced that her department will be taking part in the national Slow Down Move Over campaign that has been moving across the country.
The campaign is a countrywide procession of tow companies and emergency vehicles, sponsored by the American Towman Association, that follows a custom designed casket to represent the many first responder’s lives that have been lost in highway accidents.
“We are honored to take part in this nationwide effort that will be passing through Burlington County on Friday, Oct. 20,” Stanfield said. “The Spirit Ride is designed to raise awareness on Move Over laws and the needless sacrifices towers and other first responders make in serving the motoring public and transportation industry.”
To date, more than 300 towing companies have signed up to carry the “Spirit” by car carrier as towers continue to volunteer to participate and also lend their ideas to the project.
“New Jersey’s Move Over Law requires drivers approaching stationary emergency vehicles, tow trucks and other highway safety vehicles displaying flashing lights to move over one lane or if it is not safe to move over, drivers must slow down below the posted speed limit,” Stanfield said. “If you make the move, others will follow. We invite and encourage everyone to help us raise awareness for our first responder’s safety.”
In an effort to honor all who paid the ultimate sacrifice while working on America’s roadways, Stanfield said the department will be partnering with Lenny’s Towing and Truck Service and BMS Towing in the Spirit Ride.
The Spirit Ride will begin at 10 a.m. at BMS Towing located at 7 Elbow Lane Burlington Township and will proceed onto Route 541 towards Burlington City.
From there it will travel onto Route 130 South into Delran Township.
It will then turn right onto Delran Parkway where it will go under an American Flag suspended across the roadway.
A dedication ceremony will take place at Cinnaminson Fire Department Station 202, located at 1900 Taylors Lane, at 11 a.m.
Following the ceremony, the casket will be transferred from the BMS truck to Lenny’s truck for the journey to the Tacony Palmyra Bridge.
Once across the bridge it will drive through Philadelphia to EVB Towing in Conshohocken, Pa.
“We hope this effort serves as a reminder for drivers to be more aware of any emergency vehicles on the side of the road,” Stanfield said.
More information can be found on the Spirit Ride Facebook page and online at www.atspiritride.com. For additional information, contact the Sheriff’s Department at (609) 265–3788.
