By Dennis Box-The Courier-Herald

Towing vehicles around Bonney Lake has brought Cascade Towing national recognition.

Cascade Towing, with offices in Bonney Lake at 19425 state Route 410 and Enumclaw at 849 Blake St., received an Order of Towman award for outstanding service from the Tow Times publication.

The monthly publication based in Florida contacted Police Chief Mike Mitchell asking if there was a worthy recipient of the award in the area. The chief sent a letter endorsing Cascade Towing to Tow Times, and the company was chosen to receive the award along with 100 other companies around the nation.

Chuck Heitstuman, 39, who has owned the company for two years, flew to Baltimore, Md., Nov. 15 to receive the award at a ceremony in the Baltimore Convention Center.

Heitstuman said he had a “great time, it was nice meeting people from everywhere. But we couldn't find an espresso stand anywhere. They're big on flags and lights back there, but no espresso stands. We had to walk over to Little Italy to get a cup of coffee we liked.”

Cascade Towing has six drivers including Heitstuman's wife, Teresa.

Heitstuman said he thought one of the reasons his company received the award was the dedication of his crew and their work with the community.

“If a tow truck driver stops to help someone we can't charge for it,” Heitstuman said. “I always tell them to pull over and help. We need to be the nice guy.”

Dennis Box can be reached at dbox@courierherald.com.