'Above and beyond the call' for Hall bus driver

GAINESVILLE - Hall School Board members Monday night thanked a school bus driver who went 'above and beyond the call of duty’.

Bertha Hudson drew her recognition while still suffering from an injury she received January 3rd when a truck hauling a bulldozer struck the rear of her bus.

“It was a heavy load,” said System Transportation Director Jewell Armour. “It was loaded with a bulldozer on the back and it hit the bus in the rear end. It was a pretty good jolt for the driver and the kids.”

Armour said the school system was proud of Hudson and how she followed her training and cared for the children.

“We teach our bus drivers when students get off the bus in the afternoon, especially if it’s full; to move students from the rear to the front and leave the rear seats open in case of a rear end accident. She did that, following the procedure very well.”

Armour added that Hudson, a bus driver for 13 years, cared for the children after the accident occurred.

“Even though she was injured she comforted them and tried to keep them calm until help arrived.”

Armour said school buses are durable vehicles, built to sustain heavy use and even accident damage, but Hudson’s bus was listed a total loss. She is scheduled to undergo surgery early next month.