Austin Local Tows Trapped Fire Truck, Cars from Icy Roads

John Bowman used his modified Toyota Tacoma to rescue over a dozen vehicles during winter storm

Jan. 29, 2026 at 2:55pm

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During a recent winter storm in Austin, Texas, local resident John Bowman used his 20-year-old Toyota Tacoma to tow over a dozen vehicles, including an Austin Fire Department firetruck, that had become stuck on icy roads. Bowman, who has a history of helping stranded drivers during winter weather, was able to pull the heavy firetruck up an incline after its snow chains slipped off, allowing the firefighters to quickly reattach the chains and respond to an emergency call.

Why it matters

Bowman's actions highlight the importance of community members helping each other during extreme weather events, especially when emergency services may be stretched thin. His willingness to use his own vehicle and equipment to assist stranded drivers, including a fire truck headed to an active call, showcases the Texas spirit of neighbors helping neighbors.

The details

John Bowman, a lifelong Austin resident, has a modified 2006 Toyota Tacoma with four-wheel drive and custom-built snow chains that he uses to help pull vehicles out of icy situations. Over the past weekend, he towed 13 different vehicles that had become stuck on the slippery roads. This included an Austin Fire Department firetruck that had lost one of its rear snow chains while on an incline, preventing it from moving. Bowman arrived on the scene as firefighters were about to attempt a risky repair, and he offered to try pulling the heavy truck to a flat section of road using his pickup. The plan worked, and the firefighters were able to quickly reattach the chain and respond to the emergency call they had been headed to.

  • On January 24, 2026, a winter storm hit the Austin, Texas area, leading to icy road conditions.
  • Over the past weekend, Bowman towed 13 vehicles that had become stuck on the icy roads.

The players

John Bowman

A lifelong resident of Austin, Texas who has a modified 2006 Toyota Tacoma that he uses to help pull vehicles out of icy situations during winter storms.

Austin Fire Department

The fire department in Austin, Texas that had one of its firetrucks become stuck on icy roads and was assisted by Bowman in getting the vehicle unstuck and able to respond to an emergency call.

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What they’re saying

“It's a 2006 Toyota Tacoma, four-wheel drive. It's been modified by myself and I built snow chains for it years and years ago. Every time it snows or ices, I go out just to help people out of bad situations. I have tow straps and I have ways to attach it to vehicles without damaging them. And just to help them get along their way.”

— John Bowman (KXAN)

“In this case, it definitely surprised me [that] I was able to pull the fire truck up.”

— John Bowman (KXAN)

“I think neighbors helping neighbors can go a long way in helping the community.”

— John Bowman (KXAN)

What’s next

Bowman plans to continue assisting stranded drivers during future winter storms in the Austin area, using his modified truck and snow chains to help pull vehicles out of icy situations.

The takeaway

John Bowman's selfless actions during the recent winter storm in Austin demonstrate the power of community members helping each other in times of need, even when it involves assisting emergency services like the fire department. His willingness to use his own vehicle and equipment to rescue dozens of stuck drivers, including a fire truck headed to an active call, is a heartwarming example of the Texas spirit of neighbors looking out for one another.