'Move over': Tow truck drivers remember one of their own

TAMPA, Fla. (FOX 13) - Tow truck drivers from across the Bay Area came together Sunday to remember one of their own. Roger Perez Borroto was killed 3 years ago this week after being struck by a motorist while helping stranded motorists on the Howard Frankland Bridge.

“Every time he would come in he would have a smile on his face," former co-worker Eduardo Acevedo said. "Very courteous. Very friendly. He would do anything in the world for you.”

Tow drivers from across the Bay Area came together Sunday for a special memorial on the Howard Frankland Bridge. They lined their trucks along the highway and flashed their lights in his memory.

“He was a very kind-hearted, caring man," memorial organizer Ginger Darling said. "He was the father of a 4-year-old daughter. She will never dance on her daddy’s toes and he will never walk her down the aisle. He worked hard.”

He's described as a person with a compassionate soul who stopped to help two people who had broken down on the bridge in February of 2016. Roger was hooking up their car to his tow truck while they waited in his cabin. That is when he was struck and killed by Allison Huffman, who didn't stop to help. She is now serving a 30-year prison sentence. 

“It really moves me to tears many times," Darling said. "To see the strength of our brotherhood. To see the caring and the outpouring of love and concern.”

Darling organized Sunday’s memorial and hung a specially-made banner to remind drivers to move over and slow down.

“Just be aware of us," Acevedo said. "Slow down. Move over. Just pay attention. That’s the main thing pay attention. Put down the phones, please.”

Currently, the move over law only applies to police, fire, ambulances, tow drivers and utility workers, but Darling says she's hoping the law can soon be expanded to protect all drivers.