By Katie Beasley, Good Day Atlanta transportation reporter - bio | email
ATLANTA -
They are men and women who put their lives on the line each day but you won't see a badge, instead you see a big yellow truck. They are officers of Atlanta's HERO units.
They make sure traffic is moving and help you get on your way when you're in a jam.
For these men and women their day starts off with the words "be safe, be safe," then a thorough check of the key tool of their day -- the HERO truck itself must get the green light. Once the inspection is complete, it's time to ride out.
"We create a safe environment for all responders to be able to work in, and keep traffic moving at the same time," said shift supervisor Jason Josey.
It doesn't take long before trouble is spotted -- a motorist with a flat tire.
"I hit something going down the road and about as quick as I could get pulled over, it was flat," said Wallace Bertschin of McDonough.
The flat was fixed and then off to another emergency – an accident in the travel lanes of interstate 85 southbound at Interstate 285.
While at the scene of the accident, they're constantly keeping an eye on the moving cars.
"We love our citizens, but we don't trust them. You can't, not out here on the highway. This job is inherently dangerous and it is extremely unforgiving," said Josey.
HERO Mark Weathers says the job can be scary at times and reminded motorists to move over to give them room to work.
Two years ago on January 31, 2011, hero officer Spencer Pass Sr. was killed on the side of a highway.
The danger may always be in the back of their minds, but occasionally, they get a good laugh out of their job too.
"The oddest thing is not one, but two zebras on the interstate" Josey said.
Another odd thing was finding a refrigerator fully stocked with fresh meat.
Crews say accidents at one time took about 45 minutes to clean up are now being cleared in less than seven minutes. If you find yourself on the highway in need of a hero unit, you can call 511 and they can get a unit to your scene -- if nothing major is going on.
Friday, May 24 2013 10:03 AM EDT2013-05-24 14:03:16 GMT
A new exhibit in Atlanta is providing an encounter that you "otter" see. The new Georgia Aquarium exhibit offers guests a view of the popular animals that has never been seen before.
A new exhibit in Atlanta is providing an encounter that you "otter" see. The new Georgia Aquarium exhibit offers guests a view of the popular animals that has never been seen before.
Friday, May 24 2013 9:43 AM EDT2013-05-24 13:43:19 GMT
There's never any shortage of food in the FOX 5 newsroom, but on Fridays, it's in the parking lot!
There's never any shortage of food in the FOX 5 newsroom, but on Fridays, it's in the parking lot! This week, Sweet Auburn BBQ joined us for Food Truck Friday, and they got the holiday weekend started right with wings.
Friday, May 24 2013 9:11 AM EDT2013-05-24 13:11:19 GMT
Lookin' to put on a fantastic party this Memorial Day weekend? Don't forget to jazz up your patio before you light that grill.
Lookin' to put on a fantastic party this Memorial Day weekend? Don't forget to jazz up your patio before you light that grill. Lucky for you, our friends from Pike Nurseries have a ton of ideas for how you can get your outdoor space ready for the holiday festivities.
Friday, May 24 2013 8:58 AM EDT2013-05-24 12:58:06 GMT
Georgia residents interested in visiting a natural wonder like the Grand Canyon don't have to travel very far.
Georgia residents interested in visiting a natural wonder like the Grand Canyon don't have to travel very far. Located just 150 miles from Atlanta, Providence Canyon may be the perfect summer day trip.
Friday, May 24 2013 8:12 AM EDT2013-05-24 12:12:38 GMT
Lots of college and high school graduates are celebrating their accomplishments as they receive hard-earned diplomas.
Lots of college and high school graduates are celebrating their accomplishments as they receive hard-earned diplomas. So, we're going retro to see what our Good Day crew looked like back in the day (and maybe embarrass them just a little)!
Friday, May 24 2013 7:42 AM EDT2013-05-24 11:42:08 GMT
The Centers for Disease Control says that every 19 minutes, one person in the U.S. dies from a prescription drug overdose.
The Centers for Disease Control says that every 19 minutes, one person in the U.S. dies from a prescription drug overdose. The state of Georgia is trying to do something about the problem, so they've just launched an awareness campaign focused on education and prevention.
Friday, May 24 2013 7:41 AM EDT2013-05-24 11:41:05 GMT
It's Memorial Day weekend, and you know what that means: hamburgers, pools, and yes-- big-time sales.
It's Memorial Day weekend, and you know what that means: hamburgers, pools, and yes-- big-time sales. This weekend marks one of the biggest for sales amongst retailers, and no matter where you shop, there's a good chance they're offering a deal.
Thursday, May 23 2013 10:09 AM EDT2013-05-23 14:09:40 GMT
You might have dreamed about getting the chance to decide which of your coworkers should stay on the job, and which ones need to go.
You might have dreamed about getting the chance to decide which of your coworkers should stay on the job, and which ones need to go. Does Someone Have to Go? is a new FOX reality show that lets employees take over for their bosses, and it premieres Thursday night!
Tuesday, May 14 2013 5:55 AM EDT2013-05-14 09:55:03 GMT
Sandy Springs police say the number of reported hit and runs are up right now -- everything from fender benders to fatal pedestrian wrecks. So how do they catch a hit and run driver?
Sandy Springs police say the number of reported hit and runs are up right now -- everything from fender benders to fatal pedestrian wrecks. So how do they catch a hit and run driver?
Thursday, May 2 2013 6:22 AM EDT2013-05-02 10:22:00 GMT
You may be starting to see them more and more around Georgia -- roundabout intersections. The Georgia Department of Transportation says in most cases they improve safety, and help with congestion.
You may be starting to see them more and more around Georgia -- roundabout intersections. The Georgia Department of Transportation says in most cases they improve safety, help with congestion, and are more cost efficient.
Thursday, April 25 2013 6:44 AM EDT2013-04-25 10:44:36 GMT
Some civil engineering students at Georgia Tech are working on a few projects to make getting around the city easier. They're a part of the Georgia Transportation Institute and soon, you could be using their research.
Some civil engineering students at Georgia Tech are working on a few projects to make getting around the city easier. They're a part of the Georgia Transportation Institute and soon, you could be using their research.
Wednesday, April 17 2013 6:13 AM EDT2013-04-17 10:13:56 GMT
An intersection more than 30 years in the making is kick starting growth in one Cherokee County city.
An intersection more than 30 years in the making is kick starting growth in one Cherokee County city. This past winter, Woodstock added the Ridgewalk Parkway exit to Interstate 575, and now a 370,000 square foot outlet mall plans to call the intersection home.
Friday, April 12 2013 6:23 AM EDT2013-04-12 10:23:43 GMT
If you've got a teenager, chances are you already have some sleepless nights worrying about them. But, it hits a whole new level when they start to drive!
If you've got a teenager, chances are you already have some sleepless nights worrying about them. But, it hits a whole new level when they start to drive!
Tuesday, April 9 2013 6:26 AM EDT2013-04-09 10:26:04 GMT
Last year, the Department of Driver Services made big changes to what documents you need to apply for, or renew, a license.
Last year, the Department of Driver Services made big changes to what documents you need to apply for, or renew, a license. Now, you have to show proof of identity, two proofs of residency, and your social security number.
More than 100,000 visitors will pack Atlanta each day for this weekend's Final Four, and even if you don't have a ticket, you still need to know how to get around.
More than 100,000 visitors will pack Atlanta each day for this weekend's Final Four, and even if you don't have a ticket, you still need to know how to get around.
Friday, March 29 2013 6:46 AM EDT2013-03-29 10:46:36 GMT
A group of teenagers from all around the state is working to help bring down the number of teen accidents and deaths. Last week, the Governor's Commission on Teen Driving made its pitch to lawmakers.
A group of teenagers from all around the state is working to help bring down the number of teen accidents and deaths. Last week, the Governor's Commission on Teen Driving made its pitch to lawmakers.
KTTV FOX 11 1999 S. Bundy Dr. Los Angeles CA 90025
