Tom Melillo Receives CPC President’s Award for Rescuing Stranded Driver from Floodwaters

On March 23 Tom Melillo, a CPC driver assigned to Walgreens in Hazlet, New Jersey, was traveling south on U.S. Route 9 on his way home after making deliveries when he encountered a flooded section of roadway. Although numerous passenger vehicles were turning around to avoid the water, Tom watched several tractor trailers move through it with ease and decided it was safe for him to proceed.

While carefully maneuvering along the flooded road, Tom saw a small black car floating in the water. There was a teenage girl inside who appeared to be in distress. He drove to high ground, exited his truck, waded back through floodwater about 4 feet deep, and offered to assist her. The girl climbed out of the car window to try to get to Tom but fell into the water.

Tom helped her to her feet. He began to walk her along the embankment and under the highway overpass, where she slipped into water that was up to her neck. Tom jumped in once more and was able to get her to safety. She was wet and cold, so Tom gave her his jacket to keep warm and waited with her until emergency services professionals arrived.

Later Tom got a call from CPC Operations Manager Bill Baines, who was aware of the incident.

“We found out what happened from someone who witnessed Tom’s heroic actions and reported them to Walgreens,” Bill said. “When I asked Tom if anything out of the ordinary occurred on March 23, he said, ‘No.’ It was only when I asked him directly about the incident that he told me all about it. I remember thinking, ‘Wow, this was something Tom felt like he had to do. He was not looking for any praise or recognition. He did it because that’s just who he is.’”

Tom was presented with CPC Logistics’ prestigious President’s Award on May 14 at Strickland’s Steak House in Woodbridge, New Jersey. The award is given to CPC employees who do something outstanding outside their normal job duties. Bill, President John Bickel Jr., CEO Duane Trower, Chief Operating Officer Dan Most, and Safety Managers Joe Cosenza and Gary Knappenberger from CPC as well as Walgreens Logistics Manager Ryan Michael were present to honor Tom.

“Tom’s actions March 23 were courageous and brave,” Ryan said. “Several other trucks drove by the stranded driver without stopping, so clearly not everyone would have done what Tom did. His willingness to take a risk and help someone in danger demonstrates what type of driver and person he is.”

Tom has been assigned to drive for Walgreens throughout the duration of his 20-year career with CPC.

“Tom has a great relationship with the customers he services in New Jersey,” Ryan said. “Over the 17 years I have worked with Tom, I’ve gotten feedback saying he always does a fantastic job and is willing to go above and beyond what is asked. We are very grateful to have him on our driving team.”

Tom was recognized in the Woodbridge Patch, a local news site. Read the story here.