A ceremonial, red, white and blue "spirit casket" will arrive in the Shoals in time for an event Friday to bring more notice to the "Slow Down, Move Over" campaign to encourage drivers to be vigilant in watching for emergency workers on streets, highways and interstates.
Andy Smith, who is a volunteer firefighter, reserve sheriff's deputy and tow truck operator, said he has had his share of near misses while on duty.
The worst incident was being grazed on the back by a pickup's mirror while he was working a towing job. But he's known of other towmen, transportation department workers, police, firefighters and emergency medical technicians who lost their lives in the line of duty.