The owner of a Mountain Top towing company that has served the area for nearly 60 years recently was inducted into the prestigious “Order of Towman” for the third time.
Todd Ayers, owner of Ayers Towing, was recognized for his work in the towing industry at a ceremony at the 34th American Towman Exposition held Nov. 17 in Baltimore, MD. The Order is sanctioned and presented by American Towman Magazine at a ceremony where the inductees received the Cross of the Order.
“I was honored to have received my third Order of the Towman Award for ‘showing extreme dedication to the towing trade and the community you serve’,” Ayers said of the honor.
“I want to personally thank Chief Royce Engler of the Wright Township Police Department for nominating me this year and in 2015, along with Chief Jay Macotta of the Dennison Township Volunteer Fire Company for my nomination in 2021.”
Ayers also extended his appreciation to his family and friends, dedicated employees, and loyal customers who put their trust in calling Ayers Towing in their time of need. “Thank you also to Mountain Top and the communities we serve throughout NEPA, as well as the fellow first responders we work side by side with,” he said.
Ayers towing was founded in 1964 by Todd Ayers late father, Bill Ayers. In 2006, Todd Ayers took over operation of the company which has 35 employees.
Ayers, 55, was inducted into the Order of Towman for “showing extreme dedication to the towing trade and the community you serve,” according to a letter he received from the magazine informing him he would be a recipient of the honor. Nominations for the order are made by police or fire chiefs of the municipalities the towers serve. The nominations are based on the individual’s having gone “above and beyond” to provide service under difficult circumstances and have a history within their community of getting the job done safely and in a timely manner.
The Cross of the Order depicts a hand pulling back an arrow from a bow. The bottom of the bow is in the shape of a tow hook being grabbed by another hand. Beside it is a Latin inscription, “Intendo Fidelis,” which means “Aim True.”
Chief Royce Engler praised Ayers for his company’s service to the Mountain Top area. “Ayres Towing is a first class business,” Engler said of the company. “Their equipment is up to date. The employees can handle any situation. They respond to accident scenes in a timely manner.”
He also pointed out Todd Ayers dedication to the community. “Todd is a community minded person he is always there to help anyone or organization. Todd is well deserving of this award,” the veteran police chief offered.
Eric Aigeldinger, chair of the Mountain Top Historical Society’s caboose committee, also praised Ayers for his community service. He noted that Ayers Towing was instrumental in helping bring the society’s caboose to Mountain Top. The company transported the caboose on a flatbed from the Reading and Northern Railroad’s Penobscot Yards to its location at Routes 309 and 437. “We couldn’t have done it without them,” Aigeldinger said. He noted Ayers Towning annually helps transport the society’s Christmas tree to that location.
Ayers towing is an annual participant in the Mountain Top July 4 parade as well as National Night out. The company also sponsors little league teams.
