Garry Thompson is being honoured by Huntsville council for his quick and decisive action to safely evacuate students from an electric school bus he was driving shortly before it burst into flames.
On his Jan. 13 route down Earls Road in Huntsville, Thompson noticed an issue with the bus and immediately evacuated all the students on board. He asked students Kennedy, Corbyn and Aspen to assist. Their combined efforts ensured everyone was safely off the bus before it caught fire.
During the town’s Feb. 24 regular council meeting, Mayor Nancy Alcock credited Thompson’s quick instincts, calm and decisive actions, and the students’ assistance as key reasons no one was injured and the fire did not spread.
In recognition of his bravery, Huntsville/Lake of Bays Fire Chief Gary Monahan presented Thompson with a challenge coin — a symbolic token of recognition traditionally used in the military and now adopted by various organizations to honour individuals.
The three students also received certificates of recognition and a small token from council and staff.
Local parent Chris Fidler, whose daughters were on board, commended the driver for his professionalism and respect with both students and parents.
Dean Campbell with Campbell Bus Lines said being recognized by the school board and the town has been overwhelming for Thompson who, now hoping to move forward with his life as usual, is respectfully declining any further interviews or questions.
Coun. Monty Clouthier shared a personal connection to the incident, noting three of his granddaughters were on the bus that day.
“That’s how close things come to you in life,” Clouthier said. “I have five grandchildren, and in my heart, Garry (Thompson) saved three of them that day.”
As a gesture of gratitude from all the evacuated students and their families, Clouthier’s granddaughters signed and presented Thompson with a heartfelt thank-you card.