It's 50 Years Of Towing — And Still Going — For Owner Of Bill's In Tolland

TOLLAND, CT — Though Bill's Auto Parts owner Greg DeBacco maintains that towing represents just about 5 percent of his business, state police from the nearby Troop C barracks recently pointed out that it is the source of a rare milestone.

That is, five decades of running a wrecker in Tolland County and the region.

"Greg has been a steadfast and reliable partner, especially to the Connecticut State Police, providing essential towing services in times of need, day or night. His commitment, professionalism, and support have made a lasting impact on public safety and emergency response across the region," state police said. "The Connecticut State Police extend their deepest gratitude to Greg for his half-century of service and commend his outstanding contributions that continue to make a difference every day."

DeBacco admitted the he, the cops and Tolland Fire Chief John Littell have been having some light-hearted verbal jousting about his tenure. But he also points out — in all seriousness — that is is a rare feat.

"Not many people can say they have towed for the state police for 50 years," he said. "I remember getting my driver's license at 16 and my dad putting me in the tow truck right away. I'm not sure you can even do that anymore."

And, at 66 years old, DeBacco is hinting he may keep going until 70.

Bill's, located at 844 Tolland Stage Road, has been around since 1959, and is a vast frontier of about 700 cars ready to be stripped of their guts and the parts sold to whomever needs what at a discount.

"Our main business is auto recycling, DeBacco said. "We take in about 20 cars a week, which means we then have to crush and get rid of about 20 a week."

The ones going bye-bye are usually those with out-dated parts or the all-out unusable "junkers," that have been totaled. The roofs are caved in and the cars are placed on a truck to head to a powerful crusher.

Bill's is also part museum. The yard is home to several old school buses, including a 40-or-so-year-old Dodge that now stores brake calipers. Even the newest wrecker at Bill's is parked among a vast assortment of wheels.

Oh and this year is not the first time DeBacco has been hailed for his towing prowess. Back in 2021, Littell noiminated him for American Towman Magazine’s Order of Towman Award.

The Order of Towman Award recognizes towing professionals who have performed for their town and community in an exemplary manner. Bestowed upon those in the towing industry who consistently go above and beyond in their service and assistance to their local police and fire departments, nominees must be nominated by either the local police chief or the local fire chief.

DeBacco traveled to American Towman Magazine’s Annual Conference held in Baltimore to participate in a pinning ceremony and personally receive the honor. Eighty-six towing professionals from across the nation were inducted into the 2021 Order of Towman class for their unyielding dedication to their community and their profession. Of the 86 only three were from Connecticut.