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#TimeWarpTuesday: The Wrecker and the Yellow Stripe

UTPD's yellow wrecker from the early 1980s to mid-1990sThe UT Police Department once had its own wrecker service.

From the early 1980s to mid-1990s, the department operated the wrecker on day and evening shifts to help Volunteers with vehicle emergencies. Services included unlocking cars, towing, and battery boosts as shown in this photo.

Longtime UTPD employees tell the story of one of the drivers—who shall remain anonymous—who began to lose his vision but still drove the truck. As a result, he would often brush against parked cars and leave yellow stripes on those vehicles!

UTPD eventually got rid of the yellow wrecker and obtained a blue wrecker, which was used until the service was discontinued.

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This story is part of the University of Tennessee’s 225th anniversary celebration. Volunteers light the way for others across Tennessee and throughout the world.

Learn more about UT’s 225th anniversary