07/02/2026
As I sit down to write this, it’s hard to find the words to express just how grateful I am for everything Brad and Crouse Towing have meant to me over the years.
Brad, thank you for taking a chance on me and giving me the opportunity to learn from one of the best. You took me under your wing, shared your knowledge, and taught me so much more than just the towing business. You showed me the value of hard work, dedication, integrity, and what it truly means to serve your community.
The lessons you’ve taught me and the experiences we’ve shared have helped shape me into the man and business owner I am today. I will always be grateful for your mentorship, guidance, and friendship.
As I take on the responsibility of carrying on the legacy of Crouse Towing through Ayres Towing, I do so with a tremendous amount of respect and appreciation for everything you’ve built over the years. I can only hope to make you proud and continue serving our community with the same dedication and commitment that you’ve shown throughout your career.
Congratulations on your retirement, Brad. You’ve earned every minute of it. Thank you for believing in me, for teaching me, and for the impact you’ve had on my life. Wishing you nothing but happiness and blessings in this next chapter. You’ll always be a part of my story, and for that, I’ll be forever grateful.
After 10 incredible years, the time has come for me to retire and close this chapter as the owner of Crouse Towing & Recovery.
I want to sincerely thank the people of Crawford County and all of the surrounding communities for trusting and supporting our family business over the years. It has truly been an honor to serve you, whether it was in the middle of the night, during bad weather, or when you needed help the most.
A special thank you goes to all of our local emergency responders, dispatchers, firefighters, EMS, city police, county deputies, and Illinois State Police. Thank you for your professionalism, teamwork, and dedication to keeping our communities and highways safe. It has been a privilege working alongside each of you.
As I retire, I am proud to pass the business on to Ayres Towing. Caleb has been a dedicated part of Crouse Towing & Recovery for the past eight years, and I have complete confidence that he will continue providing the dependable, professional service our community has come to expect. I know he will continue serving Crawford County and the surrounding areas with the same commitment and care.
Although I’m retiring from ownership, I’m not retiring from serving my community. I will continue serving with Crawford Rescue and will always be there to lend Caleb a hand whenever he needs it. It’s comforting to know the community will continue to be well taken care of.
This retirement isn’t just the end of a career—it’s the beginning of a new chapter. I look forward to spending more time with my family, making memories, and enjoying the moments I’ve often had to miss while answering the next call.
I also want to give my deepest thanks to my wife, Lesa. Thank you for standing beside me through the long hours, late-night calls, holidays, and everything that comes with this business. Your love, patience, encouragement, and sacrifices made all of this possible. I couldn’t have done it without you.
To every customer, friend, family member, and fellow first responder who supported Crouse Towing & Recovery throughout the years—thank you. Your loyalty, trust, and encouragement have meant more than words can express.
Although the name is changing, the commitment to serving our community will continue. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your lives for the past 10 years. I am grateful for every call, every handshake, and every friendship along the way.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you for 10 wonderful years of support. God bless each of you, and please continue to support Ayres Towing as they carry on the tradition of serving our community.
— Brad Crouse
