Seventh Annual Lee Crittenden Memorial Award Presented to Herb Fotheringham

Las Vegas, NV:

The Professional Truck Driver Institute, Inc. (PTDI) presented the seventh annual Lee J. Crittenden Memorial Award to Herb Fotheringham, PTDI Certification Specialist and Consultant, at during the March 7 General Session at the Truckload Carriers Association’s (TCA’s) Annual Convention in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The award is given to the person who has done the most to advance the ideals and goals of the Professional Truck Driver Institute, Inc., of which Lee Crittenden was a staunch supporter until his death in April 1998.

Fotheringham has served as the PTDI Certification Specialist since 1998 and is the backbone and leader of the Institute’s On-Site Evaluation Team. He is known for the professionalism and consistency he brings to the certification process. Fotheringham no longer visits schools, but continues to recruit schools to the PTDI program and trains PTDI’s new partners at CSS, Consolidated Safety Services.

Prior to joining PTDI Fotheringham worked for 12 years as a Placement Director at the National Tractor Trailer School with last year’s Crittenden recipient Harry Kowalchyk. Fotheringham spent 25 years in the Air Force and retired as a Colonel in 1984. He and his wife of 44 years, Pat, live in Brevard, North Carolina, and enjoy their seven children and 19 grandchildren.

Ray Haight, President and COO of MacKinnon Transport, Inc., Chairman of PTDI, and presenter of the award, stated: “Herb’s dedication, support and loyalty to PTDI have been demonstrated through and through to the Institute – its schools both current and future. His patience and availability is a glowing example of the 110% commitment to all who have worked with him – and he more than deserves this award.”

Fotheringham was unable to be in Las Vegas for the presentation of the award so it was accepted by his friend and colleague Don Hess, Director of Transportation and Public Safety Programs for John Wood Community College.

The presentation of this annual award will keep the memory of Lee Crittenden alive and serve as inspiration to others who get involved with truck driver issues. Mr. Crittenden helped many important industry activities get their start. He was passionate about promoting a positive image of the nation’s professional truck drivers, and was largely responsible for the creation of America’s Road Team. He also initiated a scholarship program for the drivers who participate in the National Truck Driving Championships. His greatest industry achievement is largely believed to be his part in founding the Professional Truck Driver Institute, where he served on the board of directors and also served as the finance chairman during the years of the Institute’s infancy. Mr. Crittenden worked for CitiCapital and that company was instrumental in creating this award with TCA.

PTDI has certified entry-level training courses at 60 schools in 26 states and Canada, and one driver-finishing program.