Chris Brian was awarded a Letter of Commendation

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Killeen: Local Police Plan Special Traffic Enforcement

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KILLEEN (September 24, 2014) Killeen police officers with the special operations unit will be set up in areas around the city looking for drivers who are illegally pass emergency vehicles stopped on roadsides.

Texas law states drivers should slow down to 20 miles per hour less than the posted speed limit, or move to another lane if emergency vehicles are parked on the side of the road.

The purpose of the law is “to protect service workers and emergency workers from being killed from car crashes," Department of Public Safety Trooper Harpin Myer said.

Myer says he’s had his share of close calls during traffic stops when passing vehicles nearly hit him.

"A pickup truck went by with large mirrors and nearly hit me at a traffic stop," he said.

"I was completely halfway into the grass or shoulder and apparently the driver fell asleep and swerved onto the shoulder and missed me about two or three inches so that was pretty scary."

Myer said drivers should slow down or move over when the lights are flashing for police vehicles, fire trucks, ambulances, Texas Department of Transportation vehicles and tow trucks.

Anyone caught violating the law could be fined as much as $500, and even more if someone is injured.

The Law

545.157 Passing Authorized Emergency Vehicle.

The Texas State Law states - (a) on approaching a stationary authorized emergency vehicle using visual signals that meet the requirements of Sections 547.305 and 547.702, an operator, unless otherwise directed by a police officer, shall:
(1) Vacate the lane closest to the emergency vehicle when driving on a highway with two or more lanes traveling in the direction of the emergency vehicle; or
(2) Slow to a speed not to exceed:
(A) 20 miles per hour less than the posted speed limit when the posted speed limit is 25 miles per hour or more;
(B) Five miles per hour when the posted speed limit is less than 25 miles per hour.
(b) a violation of this section is:
(1) a misdemeanor punishable under Section 542.401;
(2) a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of $500 if the violation results in property damage: or
(3) a Class B misdemeanor if the violation results in bodily injury.
(c) if conduct constituting an offense under this section also constitutes an offense under section of this code or the Penal Code, the actor may be prosecuted under either section or under both sections.

Pierce Sales recognized by Better Business Bureau

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Pierce Sales located in Henrietta, Texas is honored to be recognized as a finalist in the BBB International Torch Award for Marketplace Excellence.

Pierce Sales is a well-known supplier of industry equipment parts and accessories, and they are a licensed converter. Since 1976, Pierce has operated as a family-owned business, placing a high priority on customer satisfaction, fair practices, and exceptional treatment of employees.

The BBB International Torch Award for Marketplace Excellence is given to businesses that demonstrate "superior commitment to exceptional standards that benefit its customers, employees, suppliers, shareholders and surrounding communities." Entrants compete with similar-sized companies for the award. Pierce has been recognized for putting its customers first and creating a healthy work environment for its team members.

Anthony Fairchild, Pierce Sales representative for the towing industry says it's no surprise to him that Pierce would be recognized in such a way. "Our team takes pride in all the work we do. Everything that gets done at Pierce gets done to the best of our ability," says Fairchild. "It's our priority for the customer to be completely satisfied. If they're not we will work until they are."

Manager Director, Tabitha Pierce was very excited that Pierce was chosen as a finalist. "Pierce Sales was one of 80 companies who submitted a very in-depth presentation that highlighted our commitment to marketplace excellence in all facets of our business. Being a finalist feels like winning. We were in the top seven," says Pierce. "I would recommend every BBB business submit a presentation in their local chapter. It's an incredible exercise to ensure your company is truly living out the principle of putting customers, employees and vendors first."

The honorees were celebrated during the International Torch Award luncheon at the first annual BBB Self-Regulation Conference on June 24, 2014 at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center in Washington, DC. Wade and Tabitha Pierce traveled to Washington D.C. to receive the award.

For parts, accessories, equipment and conversions contact Anthony Fairchild at Pierce 549 U.S. 287, Henrietta, TX 76365. (940) 538-5643.

TDLR News!

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TDLR recently updated the http://www.tdlr.texas.gov/towing/forms/VSF011.pdf">Removal or Inspection of a Motor Vehicle at a Vehicle Storage Facility form, also known as the VSF011. The only change to this form is the web address for submitting online complaints that appears at the bottom of each page of the form. Applicants should begin using this new version of the form immediately.

Download the Removal or Inspection of a Motor Vehicle at a VSF form (107kb PDF)

Questions? Post them on TDLR's Facebook page, tweet us or email

Why Finance now?

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Reasonable questions, certainly, for tow-company owners to ask—but the answers might surprise you. According to the Equipment Leasing & Finance Association, seven of 10 businesses in the U.S. lease or finance their equipment—and you should consider these options, too. Leasing or financing can provide your firm with access to high-quality equipment that helps your company grow.

Working with an equipment leasing and finance firm like Advantage Funding, which specializes in the vocational equipment industry, you can apply to qualify for 100% financing, with no down payment. You can also take advantage of technology upgrades by changing out equipment every few years through a provision in your lease or finance contract.

There are other advantages to equipment leasing or financing as well. Tow operators can free themselves from the hassles of equipment remarketing and disposal, because we provide these services, too. What's more, we can simplify your billing, bundling costs into a single invoice, so you can make one payment every month.

Whether you need to refresh your fleet or replace a rusting tow truck, you owe it to your firm to consider equipment leasing or financing. Advantage Funding has served the tow industry since 1997 and is the largest independent Commercial Transportation Lender in the U.S. We know your business, and we have the flexibility to provide solutions when banks and others can't. Use us to your Advantage!


72%

The percentage of U.S.
Businesses that Lease
Or Finance Equipment