Top Traffic Inspectors Compete in Indy

Tomasz Krolak of the Minnesota State Patrol (right) accepts the Jimmy K. Ammons grand champion trophy for winning the 2023 North American Inspectors Championship. The CVSA-sponsored event was held in Columbus, Ohio. (John Somers II for Transport Topics)

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Law enforcement traffic specialists will tackle a series of challenges for the chance to define themselves as the nation’s premier safety inspectors during an annual tournament this month in Indianapolis.

Scheduled alongside the 87th annual National Truck Driving Championships and Step Van Championships, the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance will host its North American Inspectors Championship. Forty-eight individuals from the U.S. and Canada will participate.

“NAIC takes the best-of-the-best commercial motor vehicle inspectors — from jurisdictions all across North America — and through training helps them to be even better,” Kerri Wirachowsky, CVSA’s director of inspection programs, recently told Transport Topics. “That’s the special thing about NAIC; we’re not just testing these inspectors head-to-head against their peers, we’re also coaching them on the latest safety trends, standards and inspection procedures — which they can take back [and] share with their home team,”

The weeklong tournament features team-building exercises as well as hands-on training to further develop the law enforcement standouts. The contest will culminate with the coronation of a best-in-show as well as winners in various specialized categories.

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What: 2024 North American Inspectors Championship

Where: Indiana Convention Center, Indianapolis

When: Aug. 20-24

“While these talented professionals are here to compete, the collaborative mood is also contagious. They are sharing ideas and lived experiences to create something bigger than themselves,” Wirachowsky said.

“At the end of the day,” she emphasized, “it’s all about safety and saving lives on our roads. But there’s nothing wrong with a little friendly competition to drive everyone to bring their ‘A’ game. We’ve got a great crew this year, and I can’t wait to see how it plays out.”

Last year, the group honored Tomasz Krolak with Minnesota State Patrol as grand champion. En route to winning, Krolak amassed the tournament’s highest score.

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Wirachowsky 

“Although participating inspectors compete for honors in several categories, each inspector leaves NAIC as a winner,” per CVSA.

As the National Truck Driving Championships and National Step Van Driving Championships aims to promote its best-of-the-best talent, it was fitting for CVSA to showcase its elite commercial motor vehicle roadside inspectors. About three decades ago, event organizers with CVSA and NTDC sought to coincide their competitions.

CVSA explained: “Co-locating the drivers’ and inspectors’ competitions provides the opportunity for certified inspectors and professional drivers to interact with, learn from and support each other throughout the week. This is an important aspect of co-locating the two events and a benefit that is crucial to fostering a positive relationship between members of the two organizations.”

There’s always been a really strong bond between the trucking industry and the enforcement agencies.

Robert Foskey, NTDC organizing committee first vice chairman

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Robert Foskey, NTDC’s organizing committee first vice chairman, touted the safety institutions’ collaboration.

“There’s always been a really strong bond between the trucking industry and the enforcement agencies, he said. “I think that exposes the drivers, who may not have that relationship with these inspectors, [to] realize that these guys are here.

“They’re professionals. Just like every driver, they’re here to do a job. And they’re here to be the best at the job that they can be. So, I think having the CVSA there sends a very strong message to the entire trucking industry.”

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Law enforcement officers competing in the 2023 North American inspectors Championship are introduced at the Greater Columbus Convention Center. (John Sommers II for Transport Topics)

From the law enforcement perspective, NTDC is an opportunity for roadside inspectors to witness the industry’s cadre of elite truck operators.

“That exposure works both ways. It allows the enforcement officials, who may only see the worst that this industry has to offer, [to] come to either a state competition or a national competition,” Foskey said. “And all of a sudden, they’re in a room full of professional drivers who want to do nothing more than make their job easier by being a professional driver . They have that ability to interact in a casual setting, and it’s, I think, a win-win for everybody.”

The North American Inspectors Championship will be held Aug. 20-24 at Indiana Convention Center. CVSA is a nonprofit group made up of commercial motor vehicle stakeholders. Its mission is advocating for highway safety in order to prevent commercial motor vehicle fatalities.

This month, CVSA announced the recipient of its International Driver Excellence Award. Ryder System Inc.’s Darryl Tolle, the IDEA recipient, recorded nearly 4 million safe miles during his multidecade career. CVSA president Col. Russ Christoferson observed, “His unwavering commitment to safety, alongside his exceptional service to his community and country, sets a benchmark for commercial motor vehicle drivers everywhere. Mr. Tolle’s achievements underscore the vital role these unsung heroes play in our daily lives.”