In support of Arizona’s fight against human trafficking, representatives from Inland Kenworth, Utility Trailer Sales of Arizona, and Truckers Against Trafficking (TAT) were on hand recently to present information to the State of Arizona’s Human Trafficking Council.
Lyn Thompson, TAT’s communication specialist, outlined efforts the trucking industry is undertaking to identify and report suspicious trafficking activity, while Don Blake, Inland Kenworth new truck sales manager in the Phoenix area, shared information on a fund-raising effort to help the cause.
“Every community needs to protect its own and we were happy to share what we put together in helping to combat human trafficking,” said Blake. “We not only talked about what TAT was doing to help crack down on trafficking, but we had our Everyday Heroes Truck on display. The special truck will mean more financial resources to combat the problem.”
The Kenworth T680 Everyday Heroes Truck will be auctioned off by Richie Bros. on June 20 with proceeds from the sale going directly to TAT – a 501(c)3 non-profit devoted to stopping human trafficking by educating, mobilizing, and empowering the nation’s truck drivers and rest stop employees.
During comments at the meeting, Arizona Governor Doug Ducey gave high praise to the council and also the community for its continued devotion in fighting human trafficking. “Human trafficking is one of the darkest crimes happening in our society. It is an evil that often operates in hidden sight because it is so difficult to detect. In fact, less than 2 percent of human trafficking victims are ever identified and, sadly, the average age of entry for sex trafficking in Arizona is just 14 year old,” he said.
“Equipping others to recognize the warning signs of human trafficking can save lives. This is a responsibility we all share. My thanks to Inland Kenworth and Truckers Against Trafficking for their efforts to combat trafficking, and I’m proud to work with them to end this heinous crime,” added Gov. Ducey.
Cindy McCain, who co-chairs the State of Arizona’s Human Trafficking Council with state official Gil Orrantia, visited with Blake and others representing the Everyday Heroes Truck. “The work that you do, and the awareness level that you have raised on this issue, has saved lives. The evidence is this truck is going to be auctioned off to raise money to continue the efforts that you do around the country,” said McCain.
Following the meeting, Gov. Ducey invited those in attendance to view the Kenworth T680 Everyday Heroes truck parked outside in front of the Arizona Capitol.
Providing support for the Everyday Heroes Kenworth T680 are:
Platinum Level
- Kenworth Truck Company
- Ritchie Bros.
Gold Level
- Inland Kenworth
- Utility Trailer Sales Company of Arizona
- FlowBelow Wheel Covers
Silver Level
- PACCAR Engine
- PACCAR Parts
- Horton
- Jost Fifth Wheel
- Meritor
- Eaton Corporation
- Bendix
Bronze Level
- Delco
- ExGuard Grille Guards
- Davco
- National Seats
- East Penn Batteries
- Giti Tires
- Alcoa