Ram Trucks showed off a variety of its 2017 model trucks and vans during an annual ride and drive event held by its parent company, Fiat Chrysler Automobile (FCA), at the OEM's Chelsea Proving Grounds in Chelsea, MI – an event that also showcased some high-toned sports cars as well as a classic jeep from the automaker's past. (Photos by Jim Mele and Ram Trucks)
...Read the rest of this storyA class from teh Northalnd Career Center Diesel Technology Program poses with Haldex's donated air brake system board. Photo via Haldex
">A class from teh Northalnd Career Center Diesel Technology Program poses with Haldex's donated air brake system board. Photo via Haldex
">Air brake system manufacturer Haldex has donated an air brake system board to the Northland Career Center Diesel Technology Program as a training aide for diesel technicians.
The Diesel Technology Program develops young diesel technicians and is operated by Platte County in the R-3 school district in Kansas City, Mo. Haldex donated the system to help promote the repair side of the commercial vehicle industry as a viable career path. The donated air board consists of products which make up an actual air brake system in heavy-duty applications.
This year the Diesel Technology Program enrolled 36 students from seven school districts representing 12 high schools and one education center. The two-year program emphasizes employability and is offered to high school juniors who are interested in diesel technology. This is the first year Haldex has participated in the program.
Students participate in the work-based learning center by not only manning their work center but by dressing in uniforms and punching a time clock. Each student has specific responsibilities in the diesel shop and rotates through the shop in order to learn all the diesel shop functions and requirements.
This real-life experience teaches entry level skills, and knowledge in all phases of diesel equipment repair, preventive maintenance, personal and shop management, parts work for transportation, construction, mobile and stationary diesel equipment applications.
To complete all the required skills, high school students attend three hours per day for two school years. Adults may complete in one year by attending six hours per day. Often students in their last semester of the program are offered a paid internship with an opportunity for future employment.
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Related: Today's Kids, Tomorrow's Technicians and Drivers
Daniel Sieczkarski Photo via TCA
" >Daniel Sieczkarski Photo via TCA
" width="160" height="143">Daniel Sieczkarski, a driver for Melton Truck Lines was named a Highway Angel by the Truckload Carriers Association for saving another driver whose tractor trailer was struck in rising floodwater.
On April 18, 2016, Sieczkarski was driving on Interstate 10 near Brookshire, Texas, when he heard a broadcast flood alert for the area. Shortly after the alert, he noticed a tractor trailer parked sideways in floodwater near a bridge with the driver behind the wheel.
Suspecting that something wasn't right, he moved his truck to a safe place and ran back to check on the driver. Arriving on the scene he realized how close the flood water was rising around the truck.
“I had never seen flooding before so I didn't realize how bad it was until I got closer,” said Sieczkarski.
Sieczkarski borrowed a life vest and some tubing from a motorist that had also stopped and, tying the tubing to the vest, sent the vest toward the driver for him to use. After trying to talk the driver into leaving his truck and belongings, Sieczkarski knew he had to take matters into his own hands.
Putting on the life vest, he swam to the stranded driver's truck. When he opened the cab door, the driver realized how quickly the water was rising and was finally convinced to leave his truck and agreed to swim to safety.
With help from motorists holding the tubing, they managed to get to dry land safely and unharmed despite submerging in the fast rising water several times. An hour after the rescue, Sieczkarski heard over the radio that the stranded truck was fully submerged under the water.
For his willingness to help, the TCA presented Sieczkarski with a certificate, patch, lapel pin and truck decals designating him as a Highway Angel. Melton Truck ...Read the rest of this story
