NY Bus Driver Fired for Rescuing Detectives During Violent Hail Storm
- Posted on August 9, 2011 at 10:26am by
Billy Hallowell
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What did a Long Island bus driver receive after he helped three police officers who were stranded during a fierce hail storm? A pink slip, naturally.
George Daw, a school bus driver, lost his job Monday after he “rescued” the officers and then transported them to safety. The incident unfolded during a violent storm last week. WCBS-TV has more:
Daw snapped pictures as a near-monsoon moved through New Hyde Park. Traffic was stopped, cars were submerged and drivers panicked.
Daw finally freed his yellow SUV school bus — with his one single child passenger aboard — amid sudden cries for help from three Nassau County police detectives.
So, he responded to their calls for help. Rather than receiving the accolades he expected for his efforts, the driver was let go for violating company policy. Part of the problem may have been rooted in the fact that he was transporting a child during the incident. His notice of termination read, in part:
“Employee endangered welfare of student he was transporting when he picked up three unauthorized passengers.”…“Employee made decision to drive through large body of water.”
In an interview with WCBS-TV, the former bus driver got emotional:
“Do I leave these three police officers, due to company policy? I didn’t even second guess it. I told the child to jump in the back, these people are coming on board. I had to get them.”
Watch a WNBC-TV interview with Daw, below, for more:
While Daw is now unemployed, he claims he wouldn’t hesitate to help the police again if he found himself in a same situation. At least one detective related to the squad has apologized for any of the negative consequences that resulted from the incident.
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Comments (212)
cher128
Posted on August 9, 2011 at 10:49amYet another shove by the all encroaching, all-suffocating hand of big government.
Report Post »Is this any different, really, from children being treated as criminal and fined several thousand dollar by local government for not having “papers” for their lemonade stands or, babies and grandmas groped by TSA agents, or, red light cameras all over our roadways to track your every move?????
WE MUST TAKE BACK OUR FREEDOM FROM THE GOVERNMENT BEAST!
OutragedToo
Posted on August 9, 2011 at 11:12amSo, he gets fired by a private company for breaking company rules, and you see “Yet another shove by the all encroaching, all-suffocating hand of big government”? Do paranoid much?
Report Post »patriotone
Posted on August 9, 2011 at 11:24amA private company that functions under a bureaucracy, funded by taxpayers yet still subject to lawsuits, etc. They have rules and do not want other drivers breaking them so they needed to let this guy go as an example. If they were sued by the child’s parents, for whatever reason they can think of, they would have to pay legal defense fees, etc., the cost of which would be passed on to the School District that pays them. Maybe he should have radioed in and asked permission first, then when they say no he can feel he did the right thing in asking.
Report Post »loriann12
Posted on August 9, 2011 at 11:33amI wasn’t paranoid until this administration, but probably it’s been coming on for a while. It’s like how to cook a frog. If you put him in hot water, he’ll jump out. If you put him in cool water and heat it up, he‘ll be dead before he realizes he’s cooking. Obama was my hot water, shame he wasn’t for everyone else.
Report Post »HairOfTheDogSob
Posted on August 9, 2011 at 11:35amunion vs union…I love it…total dipsticks
Report Post »USAMama
Posted on August 9, 2011 at 12:10pmPatriot1:
Had he radioed in and they said no do you suggest he just throw his hands up in the air and say “Sorry guys, boss says no” and leave them there? I couldn’t do that, I would have done just what he did. The problem is with all these tight rules and fear of fines and lawsuits it makes it hard for people to use their own judgement in a situation and do what is right.
Report Post »mikelivi
Posted on August 9, 2011 at 12:19pmWe have lost our minds in this country!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WTF!?
Report Post »My Two Cents
Posted on August 9, 2011 at 12:20pmStupidity run amuck. The administrators are the ones who should be fired.
Report Post »thomasdaddy
Posted on August 9, 2011 at 12:24pmusamama,
“The problem is with all these tight rules and fear of fines and lawsuits it makes it hard for people to use their own judgement in a situation and do what is right.”
The issue here is the fact that these drivers can not be asked to make a judgment when the welfare of a child is in question. Do I think he should have been fired? Absolutely not. Maybe a formal reprimand, with a hand shakes and pat on the back on the way out, but not termination. If no action was taken against this driver then we are telling the other drivers to use their best judgment and that can’t be trusted!
Report Post »8jrts
Posted on August 9, 2011 at 12:58pm@USAMama
Report Post »thomasdaddy is right, we (school bus drivers) are NOT allowed to make judgement calls when it concerns the putting the safety of the kids at risk, and by the time we call in to ask, then dispatch calls district to ask, then they decide and get back to us…. in this particular case the cops would have drown already!!! So he didn’t call at all. He still may get sued…I hope not, I think he did the right thing, but that is my opinion, district not policy. Besides….this was NY we are talking about…could have been fake badges….anyone consider that????
ATTA
Posted on August 9, 2011 at 1:06pmI wonder if he had picked up 3 black people, if he would have been fired?
Jesse Jackson would have jumped on his horse…… and the Rev …
Report Post »ConstitutionalPatriot
Posted on August 9, 2011 at 1:41pmIf this is a ‘private’ company then Outraged is correct, But many of these large city School bus ‘companies’ are actually ‘public’ companies. If it is a ‘public’ company then he should file a grievance with the city.
Let’s see Nassau county… Parents will find out who’s child it was and law suit will be filed, as the Cre’ole chief once said; “I gaau ron tee that”
Report Post »Servant Of YHVH
Posted on August 9, 2011 at 2:39pmPerhaps these people that fired him should be kept watch of by the detectives.
Report Post »woodyb
Posted on August 9, 2011 at 2:45pm@ USAMAMA –
Report Post »“makes it hard for people to use their own judgement in a situation and do what is right.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
That’s the whole idea, we have to get used to the government (sometimes through its contractors) making all of our decisions for us!!!!!!!!!!!!
kindling
Posted on August 9, 2011 at 5:43pmGod bless this man and his family for his service to others.
Report Post »Mil Mom
Posted on August 10, 2011 at 12:45am@OutragedToo
Report Post »Posted on August 9, 2011 at 11:12am
So, he gets fired by a private company for breaking company rules, and you see “Yet another shove by the all encroaching, all-suffocating hand of big government”? Do paranoid much?
***
Didn’t I read NYC school bus driver? Might be a “private Company” but contracted to a government entity! Definitely he should have been ricognized for his heroism! Don’t know about big government, but the rules make sense most of the time, but in emergencies, one has to be able to respond to such!
freedomisvital
Posted on August 10, 2011 at 4:09amAgreed. Past time to put our collective foot down and take back our country from these idiots.
Report Post »danlb0y
Posted on August 10, 2011 at 12:51pmNo good deed go’s unpunished!
Report Post »Trans group is an unsafe transportation company. You are better off not be associated with this progressive company. Any company that go‘s out of it’s way to fire a good man like you has serious problems with critical thinking. They exposed themselves to the media by their actions and they have made it clear that coming to a fellow humans aid is violation of their twisted world view.
Jaycen
Posted on August 10, 2011 at 12:54pmCher128, you’re absolutely correct. Rules and regulations have replaced brains for many bureaucrats.
This was a case where a man used common sense. His actions should be lauded. His supervisors acted stupidly. They should re-instate the man.
Report Post »Jaycen
Posted on August 10, 2011 at 12:57pmMr. Daw did the right thing. To the person who said, “Could have been fake badges…” so, assume everyone could be evil? That’s Liberal mindset, buddy.
Daw used good judgement. You don’t punish someone for using good judgement. At no point was the child’s safety in danger. It’s that simple.
Report Post »Secret Squirrel
Posted on August 11, 2011 at 9:37am.
Think about it.
“people are freaking out”
“Hailstorm, flood.”
So the three NY detectives………..saved themselves and ran????
“To hell with those people, it’s SCARY out there, thanks pal.”
Driver fired and ONE of the three called to say, “sorry”?
Yep, that‘s what I’d expect from NY.
In Texas, the driver would have rescued everyone, the cops would help,
Report Post »and the company would have thrown a barbecue.
Secret Squirrel
Posted on August 11, 2011 at 9:41am.
Report Post »Atta:
“I wonder if he had picked up 3 black people, if he would have been fired?”
or three muslims…………he would have received the key to the city!
desertjim
Posted on August 9, 2011 at 10:49amOur great bureaucracy’s in action! I can‘t wait until these same bureaucracy’s run our health care.
Report Post »GayDem4Beck
Posted on August 9, 2011 at 11:08am@desertjim – I can see it now.. I’m sorry, but you are not covered, because you were transported by the wrong ambulance company, or to the wrong hospital. Even worse, a boy-scout/girl-scout giving aid was not certified to do so, so your being denied.
Report Post »PATTY HENRY
Posted on August 9, 2011 at 12:22pmBUT!!!!!! WE do NOT have to lie down and take it. WE can elect the people who will do away with this childish one-note-thinking. WE can elect REAL WOMEN AND MEN and this fumbling, bumbling stupid insanity attack that has put our precious country in a strangle hold (OBAMA CARE, THIS nonsense about rules and Unions and everything NON-HUMAN) …all of this insane nonsense will be swept out by REAL AMERICANS who understand what AMERICA is. SARAH PALIN for PRESIDENT!!
Report Post »ICEDRAGONNITE
Posted on August 9, 2011 at 8:52pmI want more unions, unions, unions, then nothing will get done total Communism. Then this nation will be exactly where the lefty’s want us, broke and under their total benevolent, caring, soothing, all knowing, elitist control. WE HAVE ALL GONE NUTS IF ANYTHING ABOUT THIS GUY GETTING FIRED IS OK, AND WE DESERVE WHAT WE GET.
Report Post »Konacow
Posted on August 9, 2011 at 10:45amThe school distriict should terminate their contact with the bus company until he receives his job back with back pay and a raise. Or start a complete inspection of all their vehicles for violations, that should take care of the problem.
Report Post »OutragedToo
Posted on August 9, 2011 at 11:16amWouldn’t that be “Yet another shove by the all encroaching, all-suffocating hand of big government”?
Report Post »leary1
Posted on August 9, 2011 at 11:47amI agree, human life and public officials are to precious to ignore. if he had ignored the cries for help, would he then be accused of not doing his civil duties to help others ?? I request that the state discontinue business with trans co., as they only really care about money and rules over human life in jeopardy.!!
Report Post »I.Gaspar
Posted on August 9, 2011 at 10:44amIn obamaland, this is what you get for doing the right thing.
Report Post »You help someone in need…you get fired.
You voice dissatisfaction with a government out of control…you are demonized and falsely blamed.
If he gets reelected, we’ll probably start seeing Tea Party rehabilitation centers in the Arizona desert.
15 more months of this crap…We have to vote them all out.
mikem1969
Posted on August 9, 2011 at 10:58amYou are so right, but the whole thing about re-education camps or evacuation camps is no joke, look up rex84 and you will get an idea of just what is planned for the masses.
Report Post »Anonymous T. Irrelevant
Posted on August 9, 2011 at 11:13amThis is becoming all too common: punishment for people who commit acts of kindness or bravery.
Report Post »When the wrong-doing is exposed, they change their view, so as not to be embarrassed. What about those, who did good, but were too small to be noticed? I hope there are more of those kind of people than the bus companies of the world.
WestTexasCountryBoy
Posted on August 9, 2011 at 12:09pmJust did a search on REX84 (used Bing, don’t use google since they got into bed with obummer) and that is some scary stuff. I have hoped all along that we could make it to the 2012 election without declaration of martial law and did not even know about rex84. This is why we have a second amendment and why obummer hates guns and bibles.
God Bless
Help stomp out political correctness, Truth will do.
Report Post »nysparkie
Posted on August 9, 2011 at 10:43amBureaucrats, you s u c k. This guy acted in a decent manner for some cops. What is wrong with you
Report Post »I D I O T S. Dip Wads.
jessieH
Posted on August 9, 2011 at 10:43amTo bad he wasn’t a teacher or a union worker. They can never be fired, no matter how inept they are.
Report Post »encinom
Posted on August 9, 2011 at 11:09amLets walk back you statement, if he was a union member, he could not be fired for this becasue, he would have some measure of protection from the inept management.
Report Post »GreatGu
Posted on August 9, 2011 at 10:42amYou are all correct; what this man did is heroic and honorable. Let the Bureaucrats be Damned, and may some outstanding institution that has an ounce of dignity left in them bring this man on board at a better salary than was provided by the self serving non-community supporting company that fired him.
Report Post »jnobfan
Posted on August 9, 2011 at 10:42amNo race card to play he’s toast
Report Post »wifezilla
Posted on August 9, 2011 at 10:41amNo good deed goes unpunished, eh? The company that fired him obviously doesn’t deserve to have a helpful, wonderful man like this on their payroll. They need a “by the book” mouth breather. Surely a company with some brain power will hire George ASAP
Report Post »adennya
Posted on August 9, 2011 at 3:22pmI‘ll predict that the manager who decided to fire this guy will be Obama’s School Bus Czar by Monday.
Report Post »TRONINTHEMORNING
Posted on August 9, 2011 at 10:41amYou know this will change within 3 hours or so…Way to go, Daw!
Report Post »ChiefGeorge
Posted on August 9, 2011 at 10:41amIts great to be an American today after reading this!
Sorry guys I can‘t come over there and help you its against policy and I’ll lose my job. I hope you make it I really do. Bye Bye. He is a better American for doing what he did and the lesson was impressed upon the kid that the system cannot be bucked or else. The cops are greatful but this is of no help. this was an extreme situation which involved life and death of the officers so the mayor should step in and reinstate this man with awards from the city for thinking outside the box.
Report Post »IMCHRISTIAN
Posted on August 9, 2011 at 10:41amWell done, Mr. Daws. God is so proud and you will be rewarded someday. Don’t change I or someone else may be in need of help someday
Report Post »rightwingheroes
Posted on August 9, 2011 at 10:40amthe parasite gets 99 weeks and gobment cheese, the good samaritan gets fired for helping police officers who would give their life to protect him. This backwards country is doomed if we don’t reverse course.
Report Post »Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
Posted on August 9, 2011 at 10:39amOnce again we see good deeds being punished; and the bad get away with whatever they can without fear or penalty.
Report Post »BlackAce41
Posted on August 9, 2011 at 10:39amThis is what happens when you have some one that is a victim of the Government Run School Systems.
Report Post »encinom
Posted on August 9, 2011 at 11:10amPrivate school bus comapny. This is what happens when private companies are not held in check by employee unions.
Report Post »Steel Awesome
Posted on August 9, 2011 at 11:31amHey, Enema, since the bus company is private, the public can bring their considerable weight down on them to effect some changes. Try doing with with a public entity.
Report Post »darkrage000
Posted on August 9, 2011 at 11:39amoh yes, i quite agree encinom, enciinom, moncine, monciine……..
as you say… ‘Lets walk back you statement’ {i just love educated speech)
The Unions woulda drug this moronout back and beat him right and proper, huh!
I mean, How DARE he save lives without Union Permission… He cost them political points and excellent Media coverage!
I mean… AFTER he took his break that is…
And then there is the issue of it only taking 5 minutes and only 1 person, thus being done quickly and efficiently….
~
Report Post »yes yes.. unions would have been so much better….
Philtac
Posted on August 9, 2011 at 10:38amNo good deed ever goes unpunished.
Report Post »wildturkeywatcher
Posted on August 9, 2011 at 10:38amAnother great example of the complete lack of COMMON SENSE! I hope Mr. Daw gets a job with a better-run company.
Report Post »Docrow
Posted on August 9, 2011 at 10:37amDoing what is right at cost to ones self is always honorable and should be praised. Well done Mr Daw!
Report Post »ampatriot
Posted on August 9, 2011 at 10:36amthis man is a true hero
Report Post »heavyduty
Posted on August 9, 2011 at 10:36amOnly in the yankee states will this ever happen. This is getting to be one wild and crazy place to live. Instead of getting a handshake or pat on the back. THEY FIRE HIS BUTT.
Report Post »cessna152
Posted on August 9, 2011 at 10:36amRight is wrong and wrong is right…
Report Post »rienheart
Posted on August 9, 2011 at 10:34amHe will be rewarded for his saving lives. Count on it.
Report Post »greenlee
Posted on August 9, 2011 at 10:34amWhoever signed or is part of his termination notice, they are the ones that should be fired. Damn government out of control.
Report Post »65Mustang
Posted on August 9, 2011 at 11:12amWith Obama and his gang of czars it will only get worse. Was anyone listening to Glenn?
Report Post »starman70
Posted on August 9, 2011 at 10:33amCompany policy be DAMNED! Saving lives should be the main focus here. There will be someone who will recognize his actions for what they truly were and hire him.
I wouldn’t want to be the owner of that bus company, I bet there will be lots of “Violations” found on their equipment.
Report Post »loadingmyclips
Posted on August 10, 2011 at 8:28am…and I know just the guy to find them!! former inspector for PACE .
Report Post »CharlesMartel
Posted on August 10, 2011 at 8:58pmAnyone who doesn’t throw out the rule book in an emergency should be fired. So should anyone who punishes someone for acting responsibly during an emergency.
I hope the police show their gratitude by writing this company up for every nit picking detail they can find until this company rehires the driver with back pay and an apology.
Report Post »AlansTigg
Posted on August 9, 2011 at 10:30amHope some great company reads about this and gives him a new job.
Report Post »