At the Annual Winter Meeting of the Washington Tow Truck Association (WTTA), Stacey Tucker, president of Chico Towing in Bremerton, was presented with the distinguished 2001 Tow Truck Operator of the Year award. Tucker commented she was “especially honored to be chosen by her peers, who have been distinguished industry leaders”.

The prestigious award has been given annually since the mid 1970’s and the recipients are selected by past honorees based on the following criteria:

• W.T.T.A. participation and attendance.

Tucker currently serves as W.T.T.A. First Vice-President, chair of the education committee, chair of the retro committee and served several terms as District 8 chairperson (covering companies from Forks to Long Beach).

• Towing & Recovery Association of America

Tucker has served as the Washington State Director for TRAA since 1996; she has served as President of the Woman of Towing & Recovery Association of America since 1998. She also serves on the education foundation committee, as chairperson of the scholarship committee, and holds a cabinet position on the board.

• Personal actions in towing business dealings.

Tucker has made a personal commitment to promote professionalism within the towing industry, demonstrated through internal training programs, and presenting seminars at trade shows held across the nation.

• Overall appearance of equipment and facilities.

In 1994, Tucker acquired Chico Towing as a third generation business owner, from her father Pat, a former Tow Operator of the Year recipient in 1984. Since that time, she has replaced and upgraded over 75 percent of the current fleet, added several new services, updated the driver/operator uniforms, and participated in a National Driver Certification Program.

• Standing in the community and community service.

Tucker serves on the Harrison Hospital Foundation Board as vice president, is a Board Member for East Bremerton Rotary, and maintains membership in the Bremerton Chamber of Commerce. She is a recipient of the YCWA Women of Achievement Award, graduate of Leadership Kitsap. Past board member of Kitsap County Commission on Youth and Children, and Past President of Project Family.

   Chico Towing sponsors several community events including Armed Forces Day; Festival of Trees; local youth athletic teams such as Diamond Dusters Fast pitch and Central Kitsap Youth Soccer; local 4H members; Touch a Truck; and the “TOWED” Program to help eliminate drunk driving in our community.