Ontario Man named WreckMaster of the year

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Ontario Man Named WreckMaster of the Year
D
uring a ceremony in Baltimore on November 19th, Ken Buehler,
owner operator of Buehler Automotive & Transmission of Alma
Ontario, was presented with the coveted “WreckMaster of the
Year Award” for 2010.
The first Donnie Cruse Memorial Award ceremony was held in June
2003 during the American Towman Show in Chicago, on the rooftop at
Navy Pier. Since 2005, the annual awards for the Top Ten WreckMasters
and the WreckMaster of the Year have been presented in Baltimore.
Ken Buehler started his working career as an automotive & heavy
truck technician in 1969. During those early years he operated a 1953
Ford 3-ton with a home built wrecker, which introduced him to the
towing and recovery side. In 1972 Ken took a job with White's Garage
of Alma. After many years specializing in transmission rebuilding and
towing he was able to purchase the business in the mid 90's, at which
time he expanded the general repair side of business with a large
addition. In 1999 he added an in-ground dynamometer to perform
emissions testing on light- and heavy-duty vehicles for Ontario’s “Drive
Clean” program.
2010 WreckMaster of the Year Ken Buehler, left, receives his award from Ken Cruse.
During these years he did towing with a 1-ton 4X4 Chevrolet fitted
with a Holmes 440. Being at the controls of this unit, he was soon to
realize that he would need to buy a much better truck to look after his
customers' needs. That's when he bought a 6500 GMC with a Holmes
wrecker, and two years later, his first flat bed. A few short years later he
found he still needed a bigger unit, so he added a 7500 Chevrolet with
a 25-ton Nomar wrecker unit. This allowed him to offer medium-duty
and some heavy-duty services to his customers.
That presented a whole new set of challenges in the recovery
field, so off he went to WreckMaster training, and hasn’t looked back.
Ken was involved in forming the Center-Wellington Towing
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j a n ua ry- f e b rua ry 2011 Association in 1999 and remained in various roles and committees
until 2006 when it was disbanded as a result of OPP policy. During that
time he was instrumental in hosting numerous WreckMaster training
classes in order to help the other towers realize there is a different and
safer way to do the job.
Then, in 2009, a new Wellington County Tow Group was formed
and he was appointed (elected) Vice President and he continues to
serve in this capacity to this day.
In addition to these accomplishments, Ken was also a volunteer
firefighter for 27 years. For the last 12 years he held the position of Fire
Captain, once again assuming more responsibilities and acquiring
emergency training.
Ken believes in training and mentoring. He is involved with the
local high schools and has taken in numerous co-op students over the
years. He has been recognized by the Centre Wellington High School
for his contributions to the community and to the local students.
He serves on the board of directors for Automotive Aftermarket
Retailers of Ontario (AARO), which represents over 900 members.
His favorite pastime is riding his Goldwing motorcycle with his
camera and tri-pod in the trunk, exploring Canada and the United
States. His 3 daughters are very proud of their father for his hard
work, dependability, and his dedication to them, the business, and
the community.
A review panel from WreckMaster and American Towman
magazine selects the Recovery Award recipients each year. Any recovery
performed in the last 5 years can be the reason behind selecting a
candidate. There are three awards presented: one each for light-,
medium- and heavy-duty. These categories are based on the casualty’s
weight and not the recovery equipment used.
In regards to the Top Ten, during each 12-month training calendar
WreckMaster asks its team of instructors to submit names of people who
represent the image of a professional towing and recovery operator.
This list is reviewed when selecting the Top Ten WreckMasters in a given
year. Many factors are considered, including community involvement,
support of the WreckMaster program, and or course their dedication
to the towing and recovery industry.
One of the Top 10 awards this year was presented to another
Canadian: Ann Akkermans, from Campbellville Ontario. She is co-owner
of A N Towing of Campbellville. Interestingly, Ann took her Level 2/3
WreckMaster training a few years ago at training classes hosted by Ken
Buehler. She is the first woman tower in Canada to receive this award.
The WreckMaster of the Year is selected based of the same list
of submissions, with the selected recipient representing everything
that WreckMaster stands for and representing it in his personal and
professional life.
Top Ten recipients receive a laser-engraved oak plaque stating
their accomplishment of reaching the Top Ten, their WreckMaster ID
number and level of certification. The WreckMaster of the Year also
receives an oak plaque and is presented with a 14kt gold WreckMaster of
the Year ring. The Donnie Cruse Memorial Award recipients are awarded
with a unique trophy made out of solid rock, granite and crystal. o
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