HUNTINGDON, Tenn. — Nearly three months after a propane explosion nearly claimed their lives, Tim and Tiffany McPherson got a rare opportunity to meet with and personally thank all the emergency personnel who responded when their food truck exploded back in June.
The McPhersons, owners of the TNT Tacos food truck, gathered with first responders, firefighters, flight crews, nurses, and hospital staff Monday morning following a continuing education event organized by Skyline Medical Center’s burn center and TriStar EMS relations director Mark Pierce.
Pierce noted how special and rare this kind of event usually is.
“Oftentimes in EMS, we respond, we take our patients, and we get them to the trauma center,” he said. “We don’t always get to see the outcome. So in this situation, everyone wanted to come together, say thank you, and to be able to meet the patients.”
Responders, medical personnel, and tv news crews packed the reception area of Baptist Memorial Hospital, and all eyes were on the McPhersons.
Tiffany got emotional while reading a statement she prepared.
“When our food trailer exploded and our life changed in a matter of moments, it was terrifying, and there are no words big enough to explain what we went through, or how grateful I am to still be standing here today,” she said.
She also thanked her husband Tim.
“I want to publicly thank my husband Tim for his fast thinking, the ability to remain calm in order to get me out of that inferno I truly turned into,” Tiffany said. “If he wouldn’t have acted so swiftly and unselfishly when his own life was at risk, I believe I would have perished that day. Tim continues to put me first every day, even while burning alive himself.”
“Today are we lucky to be here because of the people who step up when we need them the most,” she continued. “To the people who ran towards the danger and horrific sight of our bodies on fire and helped us, and stayed with us, called for help, cared for the wounds, refused to leave us alone: you each saved our life. Your courage and compassion has given us this second chance.”
The couple announced that a new TNT Tacos trailer has already been ordered. The new truck will feature all electric appliances, as well as an emergency exit and other safety features.
“We’re hoping [to be open] by November or December, when it starts to cool off a little bit,” Tiffany said.
She presented a gift to responders. She made keychains for those who helped them, attached to a handwritten note inviting each responder to share a meal at the new trailer when it opens.
They keychain reads: “Be proud of the work you do, the person that you are, and the difference that you make.”
She thanked responders once more.
“There isn’t enough money that you could pay these people to do what they do,” she said. “It’s a calling. You can see that when they show up to help you.”
