Greencastle bus driver applauded for quick action

Friday, August 24, 2007

The quick thinking of a Greencastle Community School bus driver helped prevent a serious medical issue for a Deer Meadow parent Wednesday.

Karen Osterhoudt always meets her seven-year old son, Tyler O'Conner's bus. When the parent was not at the bus stop after school Wednesday, bus driver Debbie Hurst knew something must be wrong.

She called Dan Green, GC Bus Transportation Director to report no one was there to meet the boy. Green quickly went to the home to make sure everything was all right.

Osterhoudt is diabetic and was unable to get to her insulin and could not get out to meet her child. Once Tyler got home he was able to get the medication for his mother.

Aware that there could have been a serious issue, Hurst's fast thinking and the bus barn's quick response could have averted a potentially dangerous situation.

Osterhoudt contacted the BannerGraphic to express her deep appreciation for Hurst's actions.

"Their concern for my son was overwhelming and very much appreciated," she stated. "Our bus drivers do try to make sure our children are safe."

Osterhoudt added that having had four children she has experienced the heartbreak of not knowing the whereabouts of one of her children several years ago. The child had fallen asleep on the bus. She is grateful for the practice of walking through the buses today.

Mostly, she wants to tell Hurst and Green, "Bravo for your insight to a potential problem, and thank you for the quick action and concern for her child."

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