Camp Hero provides free rides for healthcare workers during snowstorms

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WKYT) - A volunteer organization is helping healthcare workers get to their jobs during winter storms by providing free rides in four-wheel drive vehicles.

Camp Hero, which provides mental health services for veterans and first responders, expanded its mission to include transportation for healthcare workers who cannot reach their workplaces during severe weather.

Rocco Besednjak, founder and director of Camp Hero, drives what he calls “the beast” — a four-wheel drive Dodge Ram with a three-inch lift and 40-inch tires.

“These are actually people who don’t get snow days, they have to go to work,” Besednjak said. “There are people who are relying on them to come to work to take care of them. There are people in the hospitals that need these health care workers there in order to live and survive.”

Organization develops app for efficient pickup

Besednjak recently developed an app to help essential workers request rides efficiently. Last year, he and his team fulfilled 160 ride requests.

“Just the weight of it will help get traction in the snow,” Besednjak said about his vehicle.

The former Navy serviceman and police officer said his motivation comes from a desire to serve others.

“When you have a servant’s heart and you fill the need every time you see something that needs to be done or you can help with, then you do it,” Besednjak said.

Camp Hero will have three drivers this year and is seeking more volunteer drivers with four-wheel drive vehicles.