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Nurse Posts How His Toyota Looks After He Saves Many Lives From Fire, Toyota Responds
Amid the deadliest and most destructive fires in California’s history, stories of incredible bravery and heroism are emerging. One such real story came from the hospital in the destroyed town of Paradise, where paramedics, doctors, and nurses continued to treat patients in the parking lot as the Californian wildfires consumed the hospital and raged around them, before finally getting the clearance to evacuate.
One of the nurses, Allyn Pierce, who refuses to be called a hero as it was a group effort of people just doing their jobs, lost his house and his workplace in the fire. His truck, a Toyota Tundra which he used in the wildfire evacuation, is heavily burnt, showing just how close a call it was. As can be expected, Allyn is not in a good place right now. However, he is finding support in his close-knit community. “I’ve been spending a lot of time with my team that was trapped up there with me,” he told Bored Panda. “That helps. They truly understand what we went through.”
Allan clearly has a lot of love for his pick up truck and took to social media to praise Toyota for the hardy manufacturing of the vehicle that saved his life. What happened next was a win/win for both Allyn and Toyota, and is a small piece of good news among the ongoing tragedy of these horrific wildfires. “The reaction has been so positive and supportive,” he told us. “Starting with the truck community and spreading out to the world. It’s surreal. My contact at Toyota has been so compassionate, supportive, and understanding of my scattered state of mind.”
It’s impossible to imagine what it must be like to try to rebuild your life after such a devastating event, but Allyn and the people of Paradise are determined to work together to get back on their feet. “We’re doing what everyone else is doing. Finding a rental, finding a job (now that my hospital burned down), making sure our kids get to meet up with their friends and teachers that have also been displaced. My heart hurts for Paradise.”
Scroll down below to see how this true story unfolded for yourself, and let us know what you think in the comments.
RELATED:
This is Allyn Pierce, a nurse from Chico, California
He posted a picture of his fire-damaged truck to social media with a message of gratitude
To which Toyota responded
New York Times reporter Jack Nicas posted a thread about Paradise’s hospital, revealing the heroism of Allyn and his colleagues
Image credits: jacknicas
Image credits: jacknicas
Image credits: jacknicas
Image credits: jacknicas
Image credits: jacknicas
Image credits: jacknicas
Image credits: jacknicas
Image credits: jacknicas
This is how the truck looked before
Most people praised Allyn
However, some saw Toyota’s offer as a genius PR opportunity
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What do you think ?
Nadja Lambacher 7 years ago
Anyone else getting chills that he recorded a goodbye message? He was close to burning to death. Wow.
diane a 7 years ago (edited)
It is the guy's heroic brave and selfless actions to help save others that is the point here. That truck DID literally save his life. Just glad they all madee it out ok. So what if Toyota is getting some publicity from giving him a replacement. His insurance would have covered it anyway.
Hello please don't judge 7 years ago
okay common how do people always find a negative it never ceases to amaze me
Load More Replies...
diane a 7 years ago
The one showing that the front headlamp still works - looks like it is reflecting the fire itself
jetmastergames 7 years ago
Nah, the heat coloured the plastic cover, plasyic yellows slightly when it gets burnt
Load More Replies...
Kenny Kulbiski 7 years ago
I think he's a hero and good for him but the guy and his bulldozer deserve more than a passing mention.
Magpie 7 years ago
Yes Kenny, wishing i could upvote that a few dozen more times.
Load More Replies...
Sue Edwards-Catt 7 years ago
This is an amazing story. Here's is big multimedia telling us that 'such&such's million dollar mansion burned to the ground' when people like this man and his colleagues are doing a selfless act to save the lives of other people. Come on mass media outlets, show us about the regular people who also lost everything.
Den Star 7 years ago
I have been screaming about that to every news outlet since last Thursday. My parents home burned down. People were rescued in ways that would blow your mind. I've seen videos from lots of locals. Burned skeletons crumpled in the bottom of burned out cars. People ran. They just ran. But the fire covered the whole town at once, there was NO TIME. People picked up other people as often as they could and just ran for their lives. One family survived in their pool but watched their house burn down. A whole group in Concow survived in a freezing cold lake. A 91 y o in the group got hypothermia. Some locals are working on a documentary already, cuz that experience was epic and tragic and everything. Meanwhile freaking news media keeps talking about the celebs. Oh and Miley Cyrus is a hero cuz she gave half a mill to rebuild Malibu. Seriously. Those people in Nor Cali deserve to be treated well by the media. They have suffered and continue to suffer.
Load More Replies...
Deb Beresford 7 years ago
Thankful he and the others made it through. Toyota so glad you are helping this nurse. I am not so cynical as others and realize you can afford your own advertising. Glad you are willing to recognize his bravery.
Nikki D 7 years ago
Everytime I think of those people that burned to death I start crying. Those poor people.
Den Star 7 years ago
Me too. So many senior citizens missing. 52 dead now. But that number is going up.
Load More Replies...
Donna Claypool Brown 7 years ago
I'm an R.N. in Michigan, where the ONLY thing we have to complain about today is the cold! Allyn is a NO DOUBT hero! Toyota couldn't BUY advertising like this! If his insurance will indeed replace Allyn's truck, how about asking Allyn what he would like the replacement cost of the truck for?
Elfmonkey 7 years ago
Well, if it's a risk of dying quickly in an explosion or likely suffocating to death, I know which one I'd pick...
Load More Replies...
Amazon QT 7 years ago
This was one of the most heroic deeds anyone can do... to risk their lives and their vehicle is such a true hero #NotAllHerosWearCapes ...And to all the asshats that are saying Toyota used this opportunity to get some “good” PR, f*ck you!!! The company just wanted to help a customer out that saved lives that day!!!! Who put their life in harms way and didn’t think about themselves or their OWN vehicle that they’ve invested money into!!!
Slune 7 years ago
That's what I salute to the Americans sense for immediate action for help or solutions. They don't wholly shally
Slune 7 years ago
Then don't shilly shally,they act cool and solution oriented.Different attitude here in Europe
Load More Replies...
Alusair Alustriel 7 years ago
Toyota advert or not, for that man it doesn't Matter. What matters for him is that he has a truck to be able to help people again.
Cindy Roketa 7 years ago
What Toyota did was genuine. It wasn't PR. What this healthcare worker and his co-workers did was heroic.
Jilly Anderson 7 years ago
Haters gonna hate.....karmas gonna get you....miserable lot. Fantastic effort everyone! Hope he is near me if I'm in trouble!
Karin Morris 7 years ago
That was amazing and kudo's to Toyota for stepping up and replacing his vehicle. I love my Toyota. 22 years old and holding strong
Jose Baeyens 7 years ago
Worst cook ever : he really needs to turn his truck more often or lower the heath source...😉 BUT ON A MORE SERIOUS NOTE : MY HAT OFF FOR YOU SIR, VERY COURAGEOUS !
Polly Bennett 7 years ago
I'm not crying, YOU'RE crying! Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You are a true American hero. <3
Carol Roeder 7 years ago
To this young man, all his co-workers and fire- rescue..... Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Whether you like to admit it or not, not everyone would step up to the plate like you did. To Toyota, thank you for your thoughtfulness in giving him the new truck. He saved many lives with you product. These are real heros to me. They ask for nothing and give so much. Thank you again for yor help.
Stella R Seeker 7 years ago
I think Toyota deserves some cheap advertising for doing this. At least they could do something. I feel pretty helpless being kinda old and broke.
Robin Weinzierl 7 years ago
Weather or not you know it you are ALL HEROS. Toyota is awesome for helping you out. You all deserve a new Toyota. I plan on driving mine for a long time. It's a 1995 and now my next car will be the same.
Cynthia O'Connor 7 years ago
Thank you Toyota... however, for the ad value of this, they should have given 1000+ Toyota trucks to the community? Talk about advertising that money can't buy!?!?!
Stephen Fritz 7 years ago
Toyota gets "free" PR, guy gets new truck, and we get a story of a hero. Its a win, no reason to hate on the car company, they could have told him to take it up with his insurance co.
Emily Berkes 7 years ago
Such a brave man! Putting his life on the line to save everyone else <3
David Lacy 7 years ago
It's OK to mention different aspects of the story -- including a quick mention about the publicity for Toyota -- but I really don't think the story needed to literally END with that note, with bold tweets and posts to boot. Yeah, they're a giant company -- and I'm a progressive! -- but let's just call this the feel-good story it is! This man was a hero and he sacrificed his mode of transportation to save others. Some people are going to be fighting with their insurance companies just for basic recompense. So good on Toyota for the no-questions asked free car. And more importantly, good on Allyn Pierce!
Carol Emory 7 years ago
I once watched a Top Gear in which they tried to destroy a Toyota pick up truck. They drove the hell out of it through rough terrain, turned it into a make shift ferry to try to cross the English Channel from Britain to France, and when it didn't sink, they set it on fire. The truck still started and drove. That's why my husband now wants a Toyota truck really really bad.
Allison Bogisich 7 years ago
Also thought it's interesting and oddly specific that he chose "In Your Eyes" by Peter Gabriel to calm himself when the lyrics go "In your eyes, the light the heat...."
Polly Bennett 7 years ago
I'm not crying, YOU'RE crying! Thank you, thank you, thank you for your dedication and loving heart. You are a true American hero. <3
2WheelTravlr 7 years ago
He was thanking Toyota for creating a truck that kept them safe in the face of a firestorm. This post wasn't created by him.
Load More Replies... Nadja Lambacher 7 years ago
Anyone else getting chills that he recorded a goodbye message? He was close to burning to death. Wow.
diane a 7 years ago (edited)
It is the guy's heroic brave and selfless actions to help save others that is the point here. That truck DID literally save his life. Just glad they all madee it out ok. So what if Toyota is getting some publicity from giving him a replacement. His insurance would have covered it anyway.
Hello please don't judge 7 years ago
okay common how do people always find a negative it never ceases to amaze me
Load More Replies... diane a 7 years ago
The one showing that the front headlamp still works - looks like it is reflecting the fire itself
jetmastergames 7 years ago
Nah, the heat coloured the plastic cover, plasyic yellows slightly when it gets burnt
Load More Replies... Kenny Kulbiski 7 years ago
I think he's a hero and good for him but the guy and his bulldozer deserve more than a passing mention.
Magpie 7 years ago
Yes Kenny, wishing i could upvote that a few dozen more times.
Load More Replies... Sue Edwards-Catt 7 years ago
This is an amazing story. Here's is big multimedia telling us that 'such&such's million dollar mansion burned to the ground' when people like this man and his colleagues are doing a selfless act to save the lives of other people. Come on mass media outlets, show us about the regular people who also lost everything.
Den Star 7 years ago
I have been screaming about that to every news outlet since last Thursday. My parents home burned down. People were rescued in ways that would blow your mind. I've seen videos from lots of locals. Burned skeletons crumpled in the bottom of burned out cars. People ran. They just ran. But the fire covered the whole town at once, there was NO TIME. People picked up other people as often as they could and just ran for their lives. One family survived in their pool but watched their house burn down. A whole group in Concow survived in a freezing cold lake. A 91 y o in the group got hypothermia. Some locals are working on a documentary already, cuz that experience was epic and tragic and everything. Meanwhile freaking news media keeps talking about the celebs. Oh and Miley Cyrus is a hero cuz she gave half a mill to rebuild Malibu. Seriously. Those people in Nor Cali deserve to be treated well by the media. They have suffered and continue to suffer.
Load More Replies... Deb Beresford 7 years ago
Thankful he and the others made it through. Toyota so glad you are helping this nurse. I am not so cynical as others and realize you can afford your own advertising. Glad you are willing to recognize his bravery.
Nikki D 7 years ago
Everytime I think of those people that burned to death I start crying. Those poor people.
Den Star 7 years ago
Me too. So many senior citizens missing. 52 dead now. But that number is going up.
Load More Replies... Donna Claypool Brown 7 years ago
I'm an R.N. in Michigan, where the ONLY thing we have to complain about today is the cold! Allyn is a NO DOUBT hero! Toyota couldn't BUY advertising like this! If his insurance will indeed replace Allyn's truck, how about asking Allyn what he would like the replacement cost of the truck for?
Elfmonkey 7 years ago
Well, if it's a risk of dying quickly in an explosion or likely suffocating to death, I know which one I'd pick...
Load More Replies... Amazon QT 7 years ago
This was one of the most heroic deeds anyone can do... to risk their lives and their vehicle is such a true hero #NotAllHerosWearCapes ...And to all the asshats that are saying Toyota used this opportunity to get some “good” PR, f*ck you!!! The company just wanted to help a customer out that saved lives that day!!!! Who put their life in harms way and didn’t think about themselves or their OWN vehicle that they’ve invested money into!!!
Slune 7 years ago
That's what I salute to the Americans sense for immediate action for help or solutions. They don't wholly shally
Slune 7 years ago
Then don't shilly shally,they act cool and solution oriented.Different attitude here in Europe
Load More Replies... Alusair Alustriel 7 years ago
Toyota advert or not, for that man it doesn't Matter. What matters for him is that he has a truck to be able to help people again.
Cindy Roketa 7 years ago
What Toyota did was genuine. It wasn't PR. What this healthcare worker and his co-workers did was heroic.
Jilly Anderson 7 years ago
Haters gonna hate.....karmas gonna get you....miserable lot. Fantastic effort everyone! Hope he is near me if I'm in trouble!
Karin Morris 7 years ago
That was amazing and kudo's to Toyota for stepping up and replacing his vehicle. I love my Toyota. 22 years old and holding strong
Jose Baeyens 7 years ago
Worst cook ever : he really needs to turn his truck more often or lower the heath source...😉 BUT ON A MORE SERIOUS NOTE : MY HAT OFF FOR YOU SIR, VERY COURAGEOUS !
Polly Bennett 7 years ago
I'm not crying, YOU'RE crying! Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You are a true American hero. <3
Carol Roeder 7 years ago
To this young man, all his co-workers and fire- rescue..... Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Whether you like to admit it or not, not everyone would step up to the plate like you did. To Toyota, thank you for your thoughtfulness in giving him the new truck. He saved many lives with you product. These are real heros to me. They ask for nothing and give so much. Thank you again for yor help.
Stella R Seeker 7 years ago
I think Toyota deserves some cheap advertising for doing this. At least they could do something. I feel pretty helpless being kinda old and broke.
Robin Weinzierl 7 years ago
Weather or not you know it you are ALL HEROS. Toyota is awesome for helping you out. You all deserve a new Toyota. I plan on driving mine for a long time. It's a 1995 and now my next car will be the same.
Cynthia O'Connor 7 years ago
Thank you Toyota... however, for the ad value of this, they should have given 1000+ Toyota trucks to the community? Talk about advertising that money can't buy!?!?!
Stephen Fritz 7 years ago
Toyota gets "free" PR, guy gets new truck, and we get a story of a hero. Its a win, no reason to hate on the car company, they could have told him to take it up with his insurance co.
Emily Berkes 7 years ago
Such a brave man! Putting his life on the line to save everyone else <3
David Lacy 7 years ago
It's OK to mention different aspects of the story -- including a quick mention about the publicity for Toyota -- but I really don't think the story needed to literally END with that note, with bold tweets and posts to boot. Yeah, they're a giant company -- and I'm a progressive! -- but let's just call this the feel-good story it is! This man was a hero and he sacrificed his mode of transportation to save others. Some people are going to be fighting with their insurance companies just for basic recompense. So good on Toyota for the no-questions asked free car. And more importantly, good on Allyn Pierce!
Carol Emory 7 years ago
I once watched a Top Gear in which they tried to destroy a Toyota pick up truck. They drove the hell out of it through rough terrain, turned it into a make shift ferry to try to cross the English Channel from Britain to France, and when it didn't sink, they set it on fire. The truck still started and drove. That's why my husband now wants a Toyota truck really really bad.
Allison Bogisich 7 years ago
Also thought it's interesting and oddly specific that he chose "In Your Eyes" by Peter Gabriel to calm himself when the lyrics go "In your eyes, the light the heat...."
Polly Bennett 7 years ago
I'm not crying, YOU'RE crying! Thank you, thank you, thank you for your dedication and loving heart. You are a true American hero. <3
2WheelTravlr 7 years ago
He was thanking Toyota for creating a truck that kept them safe in the face of a firestorm. This post wasn't created by him.
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