Above & Beyond Award Recipients

The purpose of this Above and Beyond recognition program is to recognize individual employees that go above and beyond their expressed job responsibilities during a significant event, demonstrating courage and heroism, or other extraordinary acts deserving recognition, resulting in a saved life or lives, and/or minimizing the impact of a loss to the agency or the public. 

2023 AWARD RECIPIENTS

VANESSA WALSH, BEN FRANKLIN TRANSIT 

On July 13, 2023, Fixed Route Operator Vanessa Walsh pulled into Three Rivers Transit Center when  an older man came running over to her bus requesting assistance for an unresponsive woman lying in the grass of the transit property. Vanessa did not hesitate to act. Within seconds, she had secured her coach and contacted Dispatch via radio to request immediate EMS support. She then called Dispatch on her cell phone, as well, to remain in contact and ran to the unconscious woman.

When Vanessa got to her, she was cyanotic, had no pulse, and was not breathing. Without delay, Vanessa began CPR compressions and remained vigilant until EMS arrived, took over lifesaving efforts, and transported her to medical facilities. Vanessa's quick actions and effective use of CPR greatly increased the young woman’s chances for survival. Vanessa Walsh went above and beyond her duties as a bus driver. She acted not only as a public servant but as a humanitarian, ensuring the well-being of this citizen and passenger. Vanessa will forever be a life-saving hero in the eyes of Ben Franklin Transit and this pool.

2022 AWARD RECIPIENTS

LEATA ROBERTS, INTERCITY TRANSIT 

On January 18, 2022, Operator Leata Roberts was driving the bus on route and saw a female on the overpass, climbing over the rail ready to jump off into traffic to commit suicide. She stopped her bus in the middle of the road, quickly exited, and approached the female in crisis. The on-board recording system captures Leata yelling out to her and attempting to de-escalate the situation. She got her to move away from the guardrail, she tried to run back toward it, and she grabbed her and put her in a bear hug. Leata held onto her. She called out for others to call 911. Even as she struggled to break free, and physically assaulted Leata, she was able to move her safety to the empty bus and waited for police officers to arrive.

GARY YOUNG, KITSAP TRANSIT

In late December 2021, Operator Gary Young was involved with helping a lost elderly man with dementia get home safely.  When Gary notified dispatch, they were able to contact 911 and this resulted in resolving a missing person’s report. Gary kept an eye out for this lost soul.  And by chance, he found him, brought him on-board the bus for safety, and sheltered him from the cold, wet and (to him) confusing world.

Gary had the situational awareness that something was amiss, and the compassion to stop, assess, and rescue the man in distress. He is not trained for such an event, and yet he showed all of us what it is like to be a great human to another human.  The WSTIP community expresses our admiration and gratitude for Gary's actions. He rescued, protected, and safeguarded this individual and returned him home to his loved ones.

MARGE ROOT, SKAGIT TRANSIT

On March 10, 2022, Operator Marge Root was driving the bus on route when a passenger slumped over in his seat and fell to the floor. Upon hearing that sound, she stopped her bus and went to find out if the passenger needed help. The on-board recording system captures Marge yelling out to him and continuing to draw his attention to stay with her. She secured the bus, contacted Dispatch to summon 911 and kept checking on the passenger. Marge kept trying to get him unwedged and when she did, she administered CPR. She called for help through the rear door which allowed bystanders to assist.  This was very important as they were able to relieve Marge and help with CPR. These factors allowed an environment where first responders could take over and transport the passenger to the hospital.

2021 AWARD RECIPIENTS

KEITH BEIWER, WHATCOM TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY

On May 18 an agitated passenger became upset when she learned the bus wasn’t headed in the direction she intended to go. She shouted and cursed at Operator Keith Beiwer and at a certain point walked toward the front of the bus. Keith told her she would need to get off the bus. She walked back to gather her things and leave but instead pulled out a small knife and attacked another passenger sitting directly behind her. She repeatedly thrust the knife at the victim, while the passenger tried to fight her off. Keith walked back to the site of the incident and demanded the attacker put down the knife and get off the bus. He created enough space for the victim to move behind him and out the back door. While waiting for the police to arrive, he cleaned and dressed the wounds on the victims’ hands, while the attacker waited on the bus.

Keith's quick thinking helped to mitigate what could have been a much more severe and dangerous situation. Had he not acted the situation could have been worse in terms of personal injury to himself and to the other passengers.

KIMBERLY HUTCHESON, CLALLAM TRANSIT

On September 10 a passenger became upset when he learned the bus was stopped after Operator Kimberly Hutcheson explained why. Moments later, that individual and his brother began beating and kicking one of Clallam's regular passengers. They kicked and stomped on him. Kim immediately radioed dispatch with a clear and precise location and description of the events unfolding. She told the assailants to stop but they were undeterred and continued to beat the passenger. She quickly called law enforcement and tried to break up the contact between the passengers while trying to maintain her own safety. Unable to stop the attack, she were able to take photos of the assailants and secure the coach when they left the bus.

Kim's level headedness and assertive actions helped to mitigate what could have been a much more severe and dangerous situation. We later learned that the two perpetrators have a history of serious crime and are dangerous individuals.