Highway Memorial Marker Honors Florida Tower

Florida’s state legislature passed a measure to have a highway memorial marker placed roadside in honor of 24-year-old tower Austin Gayne. Gayne, who was a tow truck operator for Johnsons Wrecker in Orlando, was struck and killed by a driver while assisting at the scene of a crash on State Road 408. 

To commemorate, the Orlando Fire Department held an event that included Gayne’s mother, Brooke Lawrence, who unveiled the marker that will be placed near the exit off of the 408. 

“This is something that his children, when they start driving, they’ll be able to see,” Lawrence said. “It’s just about keeping his memory alive.” 

The unveiling brought together local legislators, law enforcement officials, state representatives, family members and those who worked with Gayne. 

“He was a great guy, the kind of guy that a dad’s proud of, a mom is proud of, and us at Johnson’s, we were proud of,” Eric Lucas, a coworker of Gayne. 

Sen. Tom Wright, Rep. Anna Eskamani and Capt. Mark Castleberry of Florida Highway Patrol attended the event, speaking on the Slow Down Move Over Law.

“It is not only the law, but it’s the right thing to do. Our law enforcement, tow truck drivers, first responders, sanitation workers and utility service vehicles need the space and safety when responding to calls for service,” Castleberry said. 

Source: clickorlando.com