President Trump salutes Hero Ramp Instructor
Envoy Air Ground Instructor Jorge Manalang didn’t go to work hoping to be in a viral video. Yet when a beverage service cart began to spin wildly out of control near an Envoy Air Embraer 140, Jorge jumped into action to save his team mates and a jet. His quick thinking avoided a potentially dangerous mishap.
Crazy event at ORD. Heads up safety move by a ramp worker! pic.twitter.com/SQi5zB0Ooz
— Kevin Klauer DO, EJD (@Emergidoc) September 30, 2019
According to Envoy, a beverage service cart was parked near the the aircraft to service the jet before its outbound flight. Unfortunately, a case of water fell on the gas pedal, sending the cart wildly careening into reverse. As the unmanned cart began accelerating, the vehicle began spinning in reverse with each oscillation coming closer and closer to both the aircraft and the ground service team that was trying to disable the vehicle. Quick thinking Manalang grabbed a push tug and intercepted the cart just before it would have hit the Embraer 140 jet.
“I’m incredibly proud of Jorge’s actions – he not only prevented severe damage to the aircraft, but more importantly, he prevented what could have been serious injury to his fellow ramp employees or our customers onboard,” said Ricky Deane, Envoy Vice President in Chicago said in a press release about the incident. “He demonstrated the ‘safety first’ focus that we have here at the hub – it’s the foundation of everything we do.”
The heroic act by Manalag even received praise from President Trump. In a Tweet, President Trump stated “Great job! Just in time.” No word on whether Manalang will receive a bonus for his heroic actions.
Great job, just in time! https://t.co/KMUXtO8IYz
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 1, 2019
“I was just doing my job,” said Jorge. “Safety is our number one priority and I did not want anyone to get hurt, so I used the pushback to stop the cart.” Envoy said that Manalang will receive special recognition for his heroic effort. Well done, Jorge!
