Hazlet Truck Driver Saved Woman's Life In Floodwaters

HAZLET, NJ — A man who works as a truck driver in Hazlet was honored because he rescued a woman stranded in her car from rising floodwaters in late March.

The man is Tom Melillo, who lives in Bayville. He is employed as a truck driver with CPC Logistics, assigned to make deliveries for Walgreens. His tractor trailer is stationed in Hazlet.

On March 23, Melillo was traveling south on Rt. 9. He was headed to make a delivery when he encountered a flooded section of roadway. He determined it was safe for him in his tractor trailer to proceed, but as he maneuvered along the flooded road he saw a car floating in the water.

The driver, a woman, appeared to be in distress, so Melillo drove to high ground, parked, got out of his truck and went to help.

The woman climbed out her car window, but fell into the water attempting to get to him. Melillo ran into the floodwater to help her to her feet. He began to walk her along the embankment and under the highway overpass, but she again slipped in the water, which by this point was up to her neck.

Melillo was able to get her to safety onto the embankment. Once there, the woman was wet and cold, so he gave her his jacket to keep her warm, and waited with her until emergency services arrived.

On May 14, CPC Logistics presented Melillo with their President’s Award, which is given to CPC employees who do something outstanding outside their normal job duties.

The ceremony was held at Strickland’s Steak House in Woodbridge.