The last morning of the school year was extra special for Educational Bus Transportation driver Titus Francis. As he and the children on his bus pulled up to Lee Avenue Elementary School in Hicksville, Nassau County Legislator Rose Marie Walker was there to present Francis with a citation honoring him for “noteworthy achievement” and “exemplary service” as a result of the actions he took while driving on a recent field trip.
According to Jason Martinoff, a parent who was on the bus for the field trip, Francis’ defensive driving helped avoid what could have been a serious accident when an SUV heading in the wrong direction approached the bus head on.
“Titus did well to keep us all safe,” observed Martinoff. “I know people are always quick to complain when something is amiss. I feel that there should be equal praise for something like this.”
The citation presented to Francis by Walker, whose own grandchildren were on the bus that day, states in part, “Your fast reflexes and skilled driving techniques saved the lives of children in your care, avoiding what would have been a serious accident.”
Educational Bus Transportation Executive Vice President Tim Flood spoke for the whole company when he expressed his pride in Francis, adding, “Every day, school bus drivers are entrusted with the safety of their passengers. Too often they are unsung heroes, performing their jobs with unbelievable dedication. It is always appreciated when someone like Legislator Walker takes time from her busy schedule to recognize a school bus driver for his or her achievement and steadfast commitment to safety.”
Educational Bus Transportation, a member organization of The Trans Group, serves school districts in eastern Nassau and western Suffolk counties. The Trans Group provides transportation to hundreds of thousands of passengers annually in lower New York State and Long Island.
—Submitted by The Trans Group
