Rocco Colella

Dedicated Independent Contract Driver with a proven track record of enhancing customer satisfaction through efficient delivery services. Leveraged strong work ethic and self-motivation to maintain a clean driving record while ensuring safe and secure package deliveries. Excelled in problem-solving and adaptable driving practices, significantly contributing to team performance and organized record-keeping.

Experienced with managing diverse delivery routes efficiently. Utilizes strong navigation skills to ensure timely and accurate deliveries. Knowledge of vehicle maintenance and customer interaction to achieve consistent performance.

Achieved by completing delivery with accuracy and efficiency.

January 22, 2003

BY ROBERT C. HERGUTH TRANSPORTATION REPORTER

As a veteran Lufthansa cargo employee, Rocco Colella has seen everything from furniture and computers to coffins and white tigers arrive at O'Hare Airport from overseas.

So the 400-pound machine that arrived two weekends back didn't cause much noticeat first.

Colella, however, soon discovered its importance: The high-tech device, known as the "Berlin Heart," was flown from Germany, destined for an Indianapolishospital to help keep a toddler alive until he could get a heart transplant.

Colella soon learned something else: Because the machine's value was more than $200,000, and because it was not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and had arrived on a Saturday, it would be difficult to get it delivered quickly.

But with the help of a friend, the necessary regulatory approvals were obtained in less than a day and when transportation became an issue, the 43-year-old Colella drove the equipment in his own van on his day off to the Riley Hospitalfor Children.

"We had a private airline that was going to donate the time and plane, but the equipment was so heavy they were afraid it would off-balance ... they didn't think it was a good idea," said Becky Clark, a Riley nurse who was trying to coordinate the delivery. "We were out of options."

By bringing it when he did, hospital officials said, Colella gave them more time to prepare for critical surgery the next dayJan. 13and provided a welcome safety net for the night of Jan. 12.

What's more, Clark believes without Colella's thoughtfulness the machine wouldn't have arrived until noon on Monday, Jan. 13, which might have been too late.

"Right when he got to the OR on Monday he coded ... cardiac arrest," she said. "It would have still been in transit.

"I think that [Colella's] little everyday hero action or whatever made a big difference because we were able to get the equipment there and set it up and when the kid needed it the most, it was there."

"I was just helping out someone, that's all I was doing," Colella, a Bartlett resident, said Tuesday. "I think I was destined to take this because, about four years ago, my little daughter, a 2-week-old little girlshe didn't make it because she had heart problems.