60 Minutes Season 38 Episode 29 Working 24/7, The Airport Road, The Dinner Set Gang
- July 23, 2006
In season 38, episode 29 of 60 Minutes, viewers are taken through three different stories that highlight the tireless work ethic of individuals in a range of industries. The first segment entitled "Working 24/7" features correspondent Scott Pelley interviewing the CEO of a major trucking company based in Indianapolis, Indiana. This company specializes in transporting high-value cargo across the country and has a team of drivers who have committed to working six days a week with minimal breaks in order to ensure their goods arrive on time. Pelley speaks with several of these drivers who share their challenges and successes with the grueling schedule. The segment also explores the safety concerns associated with the long hours and the impact on the drivers' families.
The second segment titled "The Airport Road" takes viewers to a remote stretch of highway near Fairbanks, Alaska, where residents have faced a record-breaking year of snow and ice. Often referred to as the "Airport Road," this critical stretch of pavement connects Fairbanks to points north and south and is the only route for supplies to reach local communities. Correspondent Jon Wertheim explores the challenges and importance of keeping this road open during the harsh winter months. Wertheim meets with the men and women who work around the clock to plow and maintain the road, including a team of state troopers who patrol the area for stranded motorists.
The final segment, "The Dinner Set Gang," follows correspondent Bill Whitaker as he investigates a brazen group of thieves who have been targeting high-end homes in Southern California for the past several years. The group has stolen millions of dollars worth of jewelry and other expensive items, often by breaking into homes while the owners are away at dinner parties or other events. Whitaker interviews detectives working the case, as well as homeowners who have fallen victim to the gang's sophisticated tactics. The segment explores the psychology behind the group's criminal behavior and the challenges law enforcement faces in catching them.
Overall, this episode of 60 Minutes showcases the dedication and hard work of individuals across a range of industries and circumstances. From the tireless truck drivers who keep goods moving across the country, to the brave souls who maintain critical roadways in the harshest of conditions, to the law enforcement officials who work to catch sophisticated criminals, these stories highlight the importance of perseverance and commitment to one's work.