Orland Park Tow Truck Driver Vies for 'Cold Crew Champion'

An Orland Park man is one of 10 finalists—and the only Illinois resident—competing for the title of best winter weather worker.

Sponsored by Cintas uniforms and Carhartt, the contest was started in 2011 to recognize individuals in the U.S. and Canada who withstand the toughest winter working conditions. 

McDaniels is a tow truck driver, who is especially busy during the winter months. He was nominated by his wife, Jeannie.

"Rain, snow, hot humid weather—nothing stops him," she wrote in her nomination. 

His daily and nightly routines consist of "pulling cars out of ditches and clearing roadway and heavy duty semi accidents on the highways that can be a whole day's job.

“He relies on his many Carhartt jackets, base force thermals, sweatshirts and hats to keep warm in our ‘Chiberia’ (Chicago) weather,” Jeannie said in her nomination. “ ... He works many long-hour days that continue into many sleepless nights. This man deserves a break.”

The winner receives a trip for two to the Country Music Awards Music Festival in June in Nashville. 

Vote online. Poll closes on March 31.