Ryder System, a provider of transportation and supply chain management solutions, recognized maintenance manager Jim Phillips for his help in rescuing a grandmother and her granddaughter from being swept away by floodwaters. Early Dec. 22, Debra Jackson of Clover, Mont., and her granddaughter were on their way to do Christmas shopping near Ventura, Calif., when an earthen embankment holding a large pond of retained water collapsed just as their car was driving past.
“This may be the greatest example of heroism by a Ryder employee since we recognized one of our drivers in New York for heroic efforts on September 11, 2001,” says Greg Swienton, Ryder chairman and chief executive officer, who has reached out to Phillips to personally thank him for his efforts. “Jim Phillips is a humble hero who epitomizes what is great about Ryder employees. As such, we wish to recognize and thank Jim for giving all of us a warm, Holiday reminder of the importance of safety and the spirit of caring for others.”
Phillips has worked for Ryder for more than 15 years. “This is a fitting closing to 2010,” says Robert Sanchez, president of Global Fleet Management Solutions for Ryder. “We have reason to be very proud of our company and extraordinary people like Jim Phillips who work with us.”
