Inside The International Towing Hall Of Fame And Museum
Tue Feb 03 2026
Roads don’t move themselves. When traffic locks up, weather turns rough, or a semi straddles two lanes, tow professionals show up so the rest of us can keep going. We sat down with Jeffrey Godwin, first vice president of the International Towing and Recovery Hall of Fame and Museum in Chattanooga, to uncover the human stories, the history, and the hard realities behind this essential trade. From Ernest Holmes’ 1916 tow truck to today’s engineered rotators, we trace innovations that shaped safety, recovery tactics, and the culture of service.
Jeffrey pulls back the curtain on the Hall of Fame selection process, the global footprint of inductees from 18 countries, and why longevity and unselfish industry impact matter more than titles. We spend time at the Wall of the Fallen, a permanent memorial honoring operators who died in the line of service. The ceremony is deeply personal for families, and it doubles as a powerful public safety message: slow down, move over, and treat every roadside scene like someone you love is standing there.
We also dig into the Survivor Fund, designed to move faster than insurance and get immediate help to families when tragedy strikes. You’ll hear how rapid-response gifts (now a minimum of $10,000) bridge critical weeks for households that often rely on a single income. Then we look ahead to Museum Weekend each October, where the industry gathers to celebrate new Hall of Fame inductees, remember the fallen, and take part in the museum’s largest fundraiser, featuring major auctions and community events.
Whether you’re in towing, logistics, public safety, or simply drive a car, this story is yours too. Memberships, donations, and sharing the message all keep vital programs running, preserve history, and improve safety for everyone on the road. If this moved you, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to understand why move over laws and towing support matter. Your voice helps honor the past and protect the people who keep our roads open.
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Roads don’t move themselves. When traffic locks up, weather turns rough, or a semi straddles two lanes, tow professionals show up so the rest of us can keep going. We sat down with Jeffrey Godwin, first vice president of the International Towing and Recovery Hall of Fame and Museum in Chattanooga, to uncover the human stories, the history, and the hard realities behind this essential trade. From Ernest Holmes’ 1916 tow truck to today’s engineered rotators, we trace innovations that shaped safety, recovery tactics, and the culture of service. Jeffrey pulls back the curtain on the Hall of Fame selection process, the global footprint of inductees from 18 countries, and why longevity and unselfish industry impact matter more than titles. We spend time at the Wall of the Fallen, a permanent memorial honoring operators who died in the line of service. The ceremony is deeply personal for families, and it doubles as a powerful public safety message: slow down, move over, and treat every roadside scene like someone you love is standing there. We also dig into the Survivor Fund, designed to move faster than insurance and get immediate help to families when tragedy strikes. You’ll hear how rapid-response gifts (now a minimum of $10,000) bridge critical weeks for households that often rely on a single income. Then we look ahead to Museum Weekend each October, where the industry gathers to celebrate new Hall of Fame inductees, remember the fallen, and take part in the museum’s largest fundraiser, featuring major auctions and community events. Whether you’re in towing, logistics, public safety, or simply drive a car, this story is yours too. Memberships, donations, and sharing the message all keep vital programs running, preserve history, and improve safety for everyone on the road. If this moved you, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to understand why move over laws and towing support matter. Your voice helps honor the past and protect the people who keep our roads open.