For a Community Fixture, a Rare and Distinguished Honor

In an honor received by only five people this year and only two people ever in the state of Connecticut, Tim Vibert, Farmington fire chief, president of the Towing and Recovery Professionals of Connecticut and co-owner of has been selected for induction into the International Towing and Recovery Hall of Fame.

Rather than simply an award for longevity in the industry or for the size of a towing and recovery business, inductees to the Hall of Fame are chosen because of their service and dedication to their communities. Cheryl H. Mish, executive director of the International Towing and Recovery Hall of Fame explained what they look for in an inductee.

“We look for people, who not only exemplify the industry, but people who are involved in their communities,” Mish said. “Our inductees are people who try to improve the lives of others and who take steps to improve the world around them.”

In that regard, Tim Vibert has undoubtedly succeeded.

As co-owner of Farmington Motor Sports Inc., now in its 35th year, Vibert has donated cars to Farmington and Avon fire stations, allowing them to practice extractions, mock crash scenarios and other training drills. Likewise, he has provided cars to both Farmington and Avon police departments for similar training purposes, even going so far as to allow police and fire departments to train inside Farmington Motor Sports Inc. during inclimate weather.

“We have a great town here,” Vibert said. “I came up through the Farmington school system and I’m proud that I’m able to give back to the community.”

Beyond his dedication to fire and police departments, Vibert, in his role as president of the Towing and Recovery Professionals of Connecticut (TRPC) has made it his mission to fight for the towing and recovery industry of Conn. as well as the for the rights and safety of tow truck drivers.

Through the lobbying efforts of the TRPC, in 2009, a “Move Over” law was passed in the state requiring motorists to slow down and change lanes to allow a safe margin for emergency workers including tow truck drivers.

According to Vibert, the TRPC is also working with the Department of Motor Vehicles to improve the efficiency and safety with which an accident scene is cleared and to generally make the towing and recovery industry “more professional.”

“A tow truck driver has to be out at all hours of the night,” Vibert said. “We see people at their worst. Often they’ve just been through the nightmare scenario of a car accident, so it’s important that we're able to be as effective and helpful as possible."

Tim’s son, Mike Vibert, a firefighter with the Tunxis Hose Firehouse assisted in gathering information and filling out the application for this father’s nomination into the Hall of Fame. There was no question in his mind that his father deserved the honor, both for his dedication to the community and to his family.

“We see firsthand the dedication that he puts in towards the fire department and the town of Farmington,” he said. “He’s a big-time family man. He’s able to balance everything and he does it well…with a smile on his face.”

When Vibert is inducted into the International Towing and Recovery Hall of Fame in Chattanooga Tenn. on Sept. 17. it will not only be a “big deal” within the towing and recovery industry, but it will serve as acknowledgement of his devotion to his community, his family and his spirit of altruism.

“I was taught to help people,” he said. “When people need a helping hand, I like to be there for them. I was put on this earth for that.”