Local business helps family get back on the road
A local businessman is getting a big thank you for helping a family get back on the road.
The family’s tire blew out and didn’t have the means to fix it.
It was last Friday when Steve Cederberg overheard on his police scanner that a lady and her children had a blowout on Interstate 15.
“She was not from around here. She was from Missouri and going towards California,” said Cederberg.
He has children of his own and wanted to help any way he could.
“So, when I arrived here at work, I called Mark Cowley, he’s a good friend of mine, and asked him if there was anything I could do or Tadd Jenkins Auto Group could do for them,” he said.
It was between mile marker 106 and 107 when they had their blowout. A very dangerous road and temperatures reaching over 100 that day.
Bingham County Captain Mark Cowley pulled up behind the van on I-15 and noticed she already had one flat tire, the second one ruined, and no money to fix it.
“She didn’t have insurance that would cover roadside assistance,” said Cowley. “She kinda resolved to the fact that she was going to sit there and wait for someone who would show up with the right size spare tire that would let her have their spare tire so she could continue down the road.”
Both Cederberg and Captain Cowley decided to have a tow truck bring their van back for a full inspection.
“When we got it to the store, we noticed the tires were weather checked. They were bald,” said Cederberg. “They should have been replaced miles ago but they hadn’t. We decided at that time we would put on a complete set of four and make it as safe as possible. She still had to travel to Sacramento, California and it was hotter than heck that day, so we did the right thing.”
And, they did more than just replace her tires. Cederberg gave them some cash so they could eat breakfast across the street at McDonald’s.
“They were all very happy and content eating breakfast at McDonald’s and when they got back over here they had tires, full tank of gas, wished well, and sent them on their way,” said Cowley.
When asked why he helped, Cederberg said, “If we can offer some assistance from the store, let’s take care of this problem. It’s not always about the money. You just need to do what’s right and take care of those around you.”
But the children didn’t leave without leaving something for Cederberg.
“They dropped these colored things that they had done and left them here on my desk. Hopefully, we made a difference in their lives,” said Cederberg.
Earlier this week, Cederberg did receive a text message from the woman saying she did make it to Sacramento safely, and she is deeply grateful.
